As part of the EU Career Day, a panel discussion “Creating Alliances for Cooperation as a New Stage of University and City Integration” was held at Sumy State University. It was organized by the EU Information Center with support of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

SumDU was represented at the event by Alla KRASULIA (head of the International Cooperation Department) and Yurii SHKURDODA (professor, associate professor of the Department of Electronics, General and Applied Physics). Oksana KUBRAK (head of the Strategic Development Department of the Sumy City Council) also joined the event.

The discussion focused on role of international partnerships in development of Sumy and SumDU. The participants also considered results of European integration within education, science and city administration.

Alla KRASULIA noted that SumDU is a co-founder and member of the Alliance of Ukrainian Universities and an associated partner of four alliances of European universities: E³UDRES², NEOLAiA, Unite!, FilmEU. It allows the university to be a full-fledged part of the European scientific and educational space.

“For us, participation in alliances is not only a network of contacts, but a new strategic ecosystem of development. We develop academic mobility, open science, grant activities, cooperate with communities, support veterans. This strengthens the university and the city, expands international presence and financial opportunities,” – emphasized the head of the International Cooperation Department.

Alla KRASULIA also noted that during the full-scale war, SumDU did not lose a single international partner, but, on the contrary, received new invitations to educational and scientific initiatives.

Among examples of support, there is assistance by the Fulda University of Applied Sciences. It has already contributed to the SumDU infrastructure restoration after missile attacks.

Professor Yurii SHKURDODA spoke about a joint project with the Technical University of Kosice (Slovakia). It studies nanoscale magnetically inhomogeneous structures and develops a prototype of a magnetic field measurement sensor that is resistant to external influences and suitable for high-tech production.

“The synergy of science, education, and government creates a foundation for restoration of Ukraine. Thanks to international cooperation, we are expanding scientific horizons and forming highly qualified young people of the European level,” – said the scientist.

In conclusion, Alla KRASULIA argued that SumDU is implementing about 150 international projects and is ready to join new initiatives, as well as develop strategic partnerships with local communities.

“I believe that after the victory, in the peaceful city of Sumy, where a creative, open space for youth is being formed, there will be all opportunities for career development of a European format. Sumy is Europe. We have proven this and continue to prove it every day with our work”, – summarized Alla KRASULIA.