On 12–13 November, representatives of Sumy State University took part in the key events of Ukrainian Week in the UK: “Discover Ukraine: A Week of Knowledge and Culture”, held across several cities of the United Kingdom and dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and British universities.

On 12 November, SumDU, as part of the Ukrainian delegation, participated in the event “Science, Technology and Innovation” hosted at Cardiff University (Wales). During the sessions, SumDU representatives Tetyana MAYBORODA, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office, and Olga LYUTA, Head of the Centre for Quality Assurance in Higher Education presented the university’s scientific potential and innovative research areas. They shared SumDU’s experience in implementing innovations and ensuring institutional resilience during wartime in a frontline region, and showcased research results in turbomachinery engineering and nanomaterials. The delegation also held discussions with Cardiff University colleagues on potential areas for future cooperation.

At the end of the day, the Ukrainian delegation visited the innovation laboratory of University College London (UCL)  the key partner of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation in implementing digital solutions and supporting Ukraine’s ambition to become a global technological leader. The meeting focused on opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation and Ukraine’s economic recovery through science, innovation and knowledge exchange.

On 13 November, Birkbeck, University of London  hosted the Twinning Conference and Reception, marking the third anniversary of the UK–Ukraine Twinning Initiative and concluding the Ukrainian Week in the UK. Sumy State University was among more than 100 participants, and, in partnership with the  University of Liverpool , one of only four twinning pairs invited to present their case in a mini-TEDtalk format during the “Twin Effect” session.

Tetyana Mayboroda and Professor Igor Potapov presented the SumDU-Liverpool case, focusing on the partnership’s impact on the SumDU academic community; the stories of cooperation and support that enable researchers to continue their work and complete their dissertations; and the crucial role of humanity, trust and resilience as the foundation of this successful partnership.

The conference day concluded with a reception at Senate House, University of London , attended by Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Olha Budnyk, the President’s Commissioner for the Presidential Fund for Education, Science and Sports; Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK ; and Peter Cormack, Founder and Chair of Cormack Consultancy Group.

The First Lady of Ukraine , Olena Zelenska, joined the event online with an address to the British and Ukrainian academic communities. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s continued presence within global universities, thanked British institutions for their tangible support, for hosting Ukrainian students and researchers, and for strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian universities. She also welcomed six leading UK universities joining the Global Coalitions for Ukrainian Studies .

Participation in the events of Ukrainian Week in the UK demonstrated SumDU’s strong international engagement, the significant interest of British partners in the university’s scientific and educational capabilities, and the importance of human connection, academic solidarity and resilience in times of challenge.

SumDU extends its sincere gratitude to Twinning Ukraine , Cormack Consultancy Group , the Presidential Fund for Education, Science and Sports of Ukraine , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine , and the Global Coalitions for Ukrainian Studies  for organising and supporting these events.

SumDU continues its work to advance the university’s development and strengthen international partnerships!