Sumy State University continues to expand its international collaboration in the field of applied medicine. As part of its efforts to strengthen global research and educational partnerships, the University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICMed LLP, a UK-based research organization specializing in emergency, combat, and conflict medicine.

The partnership opens new opportunities for joint research, educational programmes, and practical initiatives to prepare healthcare professionals to work in high-risk environments, emergency situations, and armed-conflict settings.

Key Areas of Collaboration Between SumDU and ICMed

Under the newly signed agreement, the partners intend to undertake joint research involving scholars from the Educational and Research Medical Institute of Sumy State University, particularly in the field of applied emergency medicine based on real clinical and battlefield experience.

One of the partnership's priorities will be the development and delivery of a specialized educational program to prepare highly qualified healthcare professionals for work in high-risk and emergency environments.

The partners also plan to:

• establish an ICMed Campus at the Educational and Research Medical Institute of Sumy State University;
• enable free institutional access to ICMed and the associated journal (JCMed) for all medical practitioners in Ukraine;
• develop joint research and educational projects in the following areas:
• prosthetics and rehabilitation;
• mental health;
• wound management and advanced wound care;
• osteoplasty;
• nerve regeneration systems;
• post-traumatic stress recovery;
• electroconductive regenerative medicine.

The partners will also jointly develop a dedicated website to showcase the partnership's activities and support communication throughout the implementation of the agreement.

A Step Towards the Medicine of the Future

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with ICMed marks an important milestone in the development of Sumy State University’s international cooperation. The partnership aims to introduce modern approaches to emergency medicine, advance applied research, and prepare a new generation of professionals capable of working effectively in the face of today’s global challenges,” said Andrii Loboda, Director of the Educational and Research Medical Institute of Sumy State University.

About the Partner

ICMed (Institute of Conflict Medicine) was established in London, United Kingdom. It is a dedicated platform for military and civilian medics, as well as professionals working in closely related fields, to share current case studies, innovative research, and proven best practices emerging from the realities of conflict environments. The purpose is to accelerate the dissemination of critical medical knowledge by enabling both military and civilian experts with extensive front-line experience to contribute their insights. Unlike traditional academic pathways, ICMED welcomes contributions regardless of prior academic affiliation or background, ensuring that valuable innovation, experience, and insights are not lost.

Through a rigorous peer-reviewed publication process, workshops, panel discussions, lecture series, and more, ICMED supports individuals who are passionate about advancing the field of Conflict Medicine. By connecting practitioners, researchers, and educators, ICMED ensures the rapid exchange of real-world expertise, strengthening medical capability and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for those affected by conflict, from the point of injury through to post-conflict care and rehabilitation.

ICMed was founded by:

• Adam McQuire – A Contemporary Conflict Analyst, Professor of European History and War Studies, Combat Medic and Medical Planner, specialising in tactical and emergency medicine with extensive expertise in managing medical logistics in conflict environments.
• Holly Tann – a Doctor of Nuclear Physics, Professor of Scientific Communication, Combat Medic, and Medical Planner, specialising in bringing frontline knowledge to the forefront of clinical research, through inclusive and accessible publication routes, and tactical medicine instruction.

Both founders bring substantial operational and leadership experience in conflict and combat medicine and have played an active role in the work of the international humanitarian organisation CASUS PAX.

CASUS PAX: Humanitarian Mission and Field Experience

Founded in 2022, CASUS PAX operates both in the United Kingdom and internationally, with a strong focus on supporting civilians and medical practitioners in Ukraine, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions.

Its key areas of activity include:

• providing medical assistance and supplying frontline hospitals with equipment and essential medical resources;
• supporting search-and-rescue and evacuation operations, including the establishment and equipping of paramedic teams;
• emergency preparedness and response to chemical, biological, and other high-risk incidents;
• delivering educational initiatives, modernising school shelters, supporting STEM classrooms, and promoting academic exchange.

The organisation's extensive frontline experience in conflict zones and humanitarian emergencies became the foundation for establishing ICMed as a dedicated professional platform focused on advancing research, education, and best practices in modern conflict medicine.