Sumy State University proudly marked the three-year anniversary of of the UK–Ukraine Twinning Initiative, by taking part in the UK–Ukraine Research Twinning Showcase Conference and Networking Event held on March 27–28, 2025 at the University of Liverpool.

The two-day hybrid event brought together over 130 participants from both the UK and Ukraine, including representatives of universities, foundations, organizations, and volunteer initiatives involved in the twinning scheme. Designed to strengthen scientific links and promote further academic collaboration, the conference featured presentations, poster sessions, and working group discussions, all aimed at reflecting on the success of existing partnerships and identifying new opportunities for joint projects. 

Sumy State University was represented by Dr. Tetyana MAYBORODA, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Department and Institutional Coordinator, and delegation of 17 PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members who are currently undertaking research placements at the University of Liverpool as part of the co-supervision fellowship programme. Dr. Tetyana delivered one of the most well-received presentations of the event. She showcased the Sumy–Liverpool partnership as a successful example of resilient and multidimensional collaboration — developed and deppened throughout three years of war and uncertainty.

The presentation highlighted diverse areas of cooperation between the two universities, including:

• Student academic mobility
• Summer schools for students and staff
• Collaborative research projects
• Professional development programs
• Joint work between media teams
• Libraries cooperation

Reflecting on the moment, Tetyana MAYBORODA shared:"Presenting the showcase of our partnership at the University of Liverpool was both a great responsibility and a deeply special moment. Standing alongside my team — those back in Sumy and those present in Liverpool — we felt the profound impact of this collaboration. It’s not just an academic alliance; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit and solidarity between our institutions."

Over the past three years, this twinning collaboration has grown into a powerful model of international academic partnership — one that engages people across diverse faculties and departments, inspires joint action, fosters mutual learning and research, and brings senses and connection to everyone involved.

Sumy State University extends heartfelt gratitude to Igor POTAPOV, Professor of Computer Sciences and the lead for research twinning at the University of Liverpool, for his dedication to strengthening this collaboration, luanching several research projects under the twinning partnership, support to Sumy university’s researchers and academics, and for organizing such a meaningful event. A special attention was alo paid to initiative sucessfully launched and developed by Professor Igor and his Science for Ukraine team: LinkUA (Linking Ukrainian Academics) programme UK-Ukraine Academic Mentoring Programme, where both Ukrainian and UK academics are warmly welcome to join to help strengthen our international research community.“

The university sincerely thanks the leadership of the University of Liverpool — Vice-Chancellor Tim JONES, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education Gavin BROWN, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships Tariq ALI — for their openness, initiative, and solidarity that we have felt throughout the three years of our partnership, and also thanking  Cormack Conusltance Group and Twinning team, the UK Research and Innovation , the British Council , Universities UK, Springer for being part of the Conference and for heir steadfast support of Ukrainian higher education through these most challenging times.

Looking ahead, Sumy State University remains firmly committed to expanding this partnership, deepening its impact, and continuing to build bridges of knowledge, solidarity, and academic excellence between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.