“Bath Spa University stands in solidarity with Ukraine and we are delighted to partner with IUEH in this way, to provide support, and to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation through the development of academic, cultural and personal exchange.” ”
Bath Spa University, United Kingdom
and
Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities, Ukraine
The cooperation journey between Bath Spa University, United Kingdom (BSU) and Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities, Ukraine (IUEH) started in 2018 with their first joint project in journalism and democracy under the Erasmus+ scheme.
When the full-scale Russian invasion started, both universities joined the Twinning Initiative and signed a five-year partnership in June 2022.
Introduction
The similar histories, characteristics, and ambitions of the two universities have allowed them to learn from each other, to plan new and exciting projects and activities, and to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation. The partnership is based on a spirit of solidarity, education and compassion, underpinned by long-term ambition on the part of both partners.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom and the team at Bath Spa University for choosing us a partner. We will do all we can to ensure the longevity of our collaboration in order to positively impact our future generations.”
Vitalii Demianchuk, Rector of IUEH
Solidarity events
Two universities held solidarity events and awareness-raising activities on the war in Ukraine on their respective campuses. These gatherings aimed to foster understanding and show support, bringing their academic communities together in a shared commitment to resilience and peace. These events are part of their ongoing cooperation, highlighting the power of institutional partnerships in addressing global challenges.
I vote for Peace
As part of a twinning partnership, Bath Spa University and the International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH) in Ukraine have launched a joint project ‘I Vote for Peace’: Collaboration and Compassion in a Time of War. The project has been developed as part of the UK–Ukraine R&I Twinning Grants Scheme. The ‘I Vote for Peace’ project title took its inspiration from IUEH’s annual creative writing event for secondary school students run by its celebrated ‘Museum of Peace’, established in Ukraine in 1999 to teach young people the value of peace and tolerance. The project sought to strengthen IUEH's research and innovation capabilities while enhancing the public outreach of its esteemed Museum of Peace. By focusing on these areas, the initiative aimed to improve well-being among Ukrainian children and young people, fostering a supportive environment through education and cultural engagement during challenging times. IUEH has also received needed for the implementation of the project equipment as part of the grant.
Guest lectures
The universities also organised a series of guest lectures, where Ukrainian partners introduced British colleagues and students to Ukrainian culture, offering insights into traditions, history, and current perspectives. Meanwhile, British colleagues contributed with lectures on creative writing and modern British literature, enriching the cultural exchange and enhancing mutual understanding between the two academic communities.
Outcomes and Future Prospects
Ten members of staff from BSU and 9 from IUEH met in June 2023 in Poland (hosted by Adam Mickiewicz University) for a two-day workshop; the workshop produced a detailed action plan of proposed collaborative activities and projects for the next five years. The two universities are also in the process of approving a formal collaborative Research and Innovation strategy.