University of Leicester cements support of Ukraine through twinning agreement

The University of Leicester has signed a Memorandum of Understanding twinning it with Kremenchuk Mykhailo Otrohradskyi National University in Ukraine, in a demonstration of solidarity with institutions affected by conflict in the country.

It was signed at a virtual ceremony hosted by the University of Leicester. Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Mykhaylo Zagirnyak, Rector of Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, and representatives of the Union of Rectors of Ukraine, Kremenchuk city and of Universities UK International spoke at the event.

The Memorandum commits both universities to explore collaboration in relation to research, education and strategic development over a five year period. 

It will see staff and students from Kremenchuk Mykhailo Otrohradskyi National University taking online English Language programmes and students joining campus-based programmes at the University of Leicester in January 2023. Leicester is providing access to online learning resources and physical learning resources are planned in the future. 

The two universities will also explore potential research collaborations and joint conferences in the fields of mathematics, informatics and engineering, as well as infrastructure and facilities projects to support learning development and community engagement.

Leicester is among more than 70 universities in the UK that have partnered with universities in Ukraine. The move is a collective gesture of solidarity and reciprocity to help Ukrainian institutions, whose day-to-day operations have been disrupted by the conflict.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “This University was founded on a heritage of kindness and has a track record of providing practical support to others. 

“We are a University of Sanctuary and our support for Ukraine extends throughout the University and includes the Students’ Union. Individual members of staff are involved in fantastic projects and through the British Academy’s Researchers-at-Risk programme, we currently have two Ukrainian academic fellows in our Schools of Business and Law.  I am delighted that several dozen staff and students from KrNU have been able to study on our online English language courses, and further that we will be welcoming up to 12 students from KrNU onto our campus in January.

“This twinning signals our purpose as citizens of change to work to create a better world for all of us.”

Professor Mykhaylo Zagirnyak, Rector of Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, said: “This development is taking place in changing times for our city and country. I’m sure that our University will become an effective partner in research, education and academic mobility with the University of Leicester.

“I would like to thank the University of Leicester leadership for their willingness to co-operate and schedule physical mobility opportunities for our staff and students, as well as the outstanding support from the UK during the Russian invasion.”