Lancaster University has signed two new cooperation agreements with Ukrainian universities this week, as future research collaboration is explored.

Academic and professional staff from Dnipro University of Technology and Kharkiv National Medical University visited Lancaster University from 23rd – 25th March to discuss future research projects within the fields of biomechanics, engineering and medical education.

The visit and future projects have been made possible by funding through an Overseas Development award secured by Dr Hannah Jarvis, Professor Allan Rennie, Professor Neil Reeves and Professor Adam Taylor. Further funding has also recently been awarded by Cormack Consultancy Group for a collaborative research project between the three universities.

During the visit colleagues from the three universities met to discuss research proposals and activities, connect with a wider network of colleagues and tour facilities. The party also attended the annual Lancaster University Faculty of Science and Technology Celebration of Science, enabling them to see first-hand, a wide range of research that is undertaken within the Faculty.

On the first day of the visit, Lancaster University Director of International Research, Professor Kirk Semple, signed agreements with both Dnipro University of Technology and Kharkiv National Medical University, which detail each university's intention to seek collaboration opportunities in research, engagement, teaching and explore further initiatives.

Vice-Rector for Research and Education, Associate Professor Oleksandr Kryvoshapka signed the agreement on behalf of Kharkiv National Medical University and said:“Signing this Memorandum is not only about cooperation between two universities. It is about trust that emerges even in the most challenging times, and about a shared responsibility for the future of medicine. By bringing together the clinical expertise of Kharkiv National Medical University and the scientific and technological strength of Lancaster University, we are building a partnership capable of transforming medical education, research, and, most importantly, improving patients’ lives.”

Dnipro University Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Ihor Nikienko said: “Not only does the partnership between Dnipro University of Technology and Lancaster University continue to grow, but so does our research network that will strengthen engineering capacity across Ukrainian Universities. We look forward to our continued collaboration and research opportunities.”

Lancaster University Director of International Research, Professor Kirk Semple said: “It was a pleasure to host colleges from Ukraine at Lancaster University last week and I am thrilled to see our ongoing partnership with Dnipro University of Technology continue to move into new areas and explore further opportunities. I am also excited to welcome our new relationship with Kharkiv National Medical University, we look forward to ongoing collaboration and exploring further research possibilities.”

Lancaster University and Dnipro University of Technology have been partnered through the Twin For Hope initiative, launched in 2022 by Universities UK International and Cormack Consultancy Group, to support UK and Ukrainian universities following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the twinning partnership, Lancaster University and Dnipro University of Technology have collaborated on research about the restoration of war damaged soils and supported student mobility and study. Over the past year, the two institutions have collaborated on a knowledge exchange programme to support the development of academic reputation building.