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British-Ukrainian Twinning Programme (2022-2027)

Twinning Coordinator in IUEH:
Alina Kruhliak, Head of the International and Project Department
Email: international@megu.edu.ua

ABOUT TWINNING

Twinning Programme is a model of cooperation between universities aimed at supporting universities in Ukraine during and after the war by creating meaningful partnerships between Ukrainian and international higher education institutions.

The Twinning Programme has become an important step in strengthening Ukrainian higher education and its integration into the European educational space. It demonstrates the power of international solidarity and opens up new opportunities for students and teachers from both countries.

The Twinning initiative is free and voluntary. It is based on academic autonomy, initiative, responsibility, integrity and due diligence.

The initiative is coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group with the support of Universities UK International, the Foundation of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Official  Twinning: https://www.twinningukraine.com/
Reports:  https://www.twinningukraine.com/reporting

PROGRAMME GOAL

The main aim of Twinning is to preserve the integrity of the Ukrainian higher education system, prevent brain drain and help Ukrainian universities emerge from the crisis with additional resources, skills and strong international experience. Twinning involves long-term commitments (at least 5 years) between participating institutions aimed at building sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

MAIN GOALS OF THE PROGRAMME

  • Support: Ukrainian universities: providing resources, expertise, and moral support to preserve the educational process in wartime.
  • Development: academic cooperation: creation of joint research projects, exchange programmes and advanced training of teachers and students.
  • Integration: into the European educational space: promoting international accreditation of Ukrainian programmes and implementing European education quality standards.

KEY AREAS OF COOPERATION

  • Double degrees: development of joint master’s programmes that allow students to obtain degrees from both partner universities.
  • Joint research: conducting scientific research in the fields of engineering, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and others.
  • Inclusive education: developing programmes to support students with special educational needs, including distance learning and training for teachers.
  • Preservation of cultural heritage: archiving testimonies of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes, and supporting Ukrainian museums and libraries.
  • Support: English language learning for students and teachers.
  • Supply of necessary equipment and consumables.
  • Access to academic resources: libraries and databases.
  • Advanced training programmes for Ukrainian personnel.
  • Short-term mobility programmes for students and employees.

The Bath Spa University and the Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH) have a history of cooperation and friendship since 2018. They were partners in the DESTIN project: Journalism Education for Democracy in Ukraine: Developing Standards, Integrity and Professionalism (2018-2022); funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The profile, values ​​and ambitions of the two universities are very similar and both universities have agreed to enter into a 5-year twinning agreement.

  • After a series of very successful and positive meetings, both universities have identified a number of mutually beneficial ways in which they will collaborate. In particular, they have identified shared interests in the humanities, heritage, business and economics, journalism and education.
  • Bath Spa University will facilitate a series of interactive lectures, scientific seminars and joint discussions for IUEH students and staff.
  • Bath Spa University will identify mentors to support IUEH
  • Bath Spa University is exploring what learning materials can be shared with IUEH and what English language support can be provided.
  • The IUEH Student Association and Bath Spa University Students’ Union will bring together students from both universities for cultural exchange and organize a series of events on Solidarity Day.

BATH SPA UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW:

  • BSU received university status in 2005, and its history dates back to 1852.
  • The university has over 7,000 students and seven faculties: School of Business; School of Music and Performing Arts; School of Art, Film and Media; School of Design; School of Education; School of Writing, Publishing and Humanities; School of Natural Sciences.
  • BSU is a place where creative minds meet. We teach and research in the arts, sciences, education, social sciences and business. The university employs outstanding creative professionals who support its goal of being a leading educational institution in the fields of creativity, culture and entrepreneurship.
  • Our goal is to encourage our students and employees to realize their talent and thrive.
  • BSU is proud to be a certified member of Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) – the leading global authority and the largest network of social enterprises in the UK. As a social enterprise, we put people, communities and the environment at the centre of our work.

Twinning Coordinator in Bath Spa University:
Professor Ian Gadd, Head of Development for European Projects.
www.bathspa.ac.uk

REVIEW OF THE IUEH:

  • IUEH is the first private educational institution in Western Ukraine, founded in 1993.
  • The first Museum of Peace in Ukraine and student public readings “I Vote for Peace” were opened at the IUEH on April 29, 1999.
  • IUEH has 9 faculties in the following areas: law, pedagogy, economics, journalism, tourism, philology, physical education, cybernetics, European education. The university has about 5,000 students.
  • IUEH has established productive ties with many foreign higher education institutions, in particular. Cooperation includes student and staff exchange, academic mobility, joint scientific work, participation in international scientific conferences, seminars, exhibitions, forums, etc.
  • IUEH participates in many international programmes and projects: Erasmus+, DAAD, Fulbright, Robert Bosch Stiftung, The Lane Kirkland Scholarship Programme, Peace Corps. Students have the opportunity to obtain a European diploma under double degree programmes in Poland and Hungary.

The partnership is based on a spirit of solidarity, education and compassion, underpinned by long-term ambitions on the part of both partners.

 “We would like to express our gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom and the team of Bath Spa University for choosing us as their partner. We will do everything we can to ensure the long-term sustainability of our collaboration to positively impact our future generations.”
Vitalii Demianchuk, Rector of IUEH

The two universities held solidarity and awareness events about the war in Ukraine. The events aimed to promote understanding and demonstrate support by uniting academic communities in a shared commitment to resilience and peace. The events are part of their ongoing collaboration, highlighting the power of institutional partnerships in addressing global challenges.

JOINT GRANT PROJECTS
I Vote for Peace: Cooperation and Compassion in a Time of War

As part of the twinning partnership, Bath Spa University and the International University of Economics and Humanities implemented a joint project “I Vote for Peace: Cooperation and Compassion in a Time of War”. The project was developed within the framework of the British-Ukrainian Twinning grant programme in the field of scientific research and innovation. The name of the project “I Vote for Peace” comes from the annual creative competition for secondary school students, which is held by the famous “Museum of Peace”, established in Ukraine in 1999 to teach young people the values ​​of peace and tolerance. The project contributed to strengthening the research and innovation potential of IUEH, while expanding the public activities of the Museum of Peace. The initiative improved the well-being of Ukrainian children and youth, contributed to the creation of a favorable environment through education and cultural engagement in difficult times. As part of the grant, IUEH also received the necessary equipment for the implementation of the project.

Ten staff from BSU and 9 from IUEH met in June 2023 in Poland (at the Adam Mickiewicz University) for a two-day workshop; during the workshop, a detailed action plan was developed for the proposed joint activities and projects for the next five years.


Pump Priming Collaboration
‘Assessment of the Impact of the Russian Invasion on the Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries of Ukraine’

IUEH as part of a consortium of Ukrainian higher education institutions led by Bath Spa University (UK), implemented the Pump Priming 2025 grant project. Funding for the project was received from the British Academy grant, which enabled the launch of international cooperation in the field of research on the impact of war on cultural heritage. The proposed project aims to develop cultural strategies that promote peacebuilding and reconciliation, using creativity and cultural heritage as tools for recovery and dialogue in post-conflict settings.

Central to this project were three interrelated desk studies that had assessed the impact of the war on Ukraine’s cultural heritage and creative industries: these provided the critical research on the resilience of cultural heritage and the creative industries as well as offer invaluable snapshots of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and creative industries during a time of war. They had been written by researchers at three Ukrainian universities: the International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH), Chernivtsi National University (ChNU), and Kyiv School of Economics (KSE). Drawing on official sources, news reports, academic articles, published data sets and other trusted sources, each desk study has provided an up-to-date and wide-ranging assessment of the material and economic impact of the Russian invasion on Ukraine’s cultural heritage and the creative industries, including mitigations and innovative responses.

The project primarily engaged with the ‘innovative’ priority as it will be underpinned by a recognition of: the value of cultural heritage and the creative industries for individual wellbeing, societal cohesion, and European values; how they contributed to soft power, international cooperation, and intercultural understanding; and how their resilience lead to a more inclusive and resilient society and a more innovative economy.

JOINT EVENTS

The universities also organized a series of guest lectures, scientific workshops, conferences, seminars, round tables, at which Ukrainian partners introduced British colleagues and students to Ukrainian culture, offering insights into traditions, history and contemporary perspectives. In turn, British colleagues gave lectures on creativity and contemporary British literature, enriching cultural exchange and deepening mutual understanding between the two academic communities. Each year, the two universities jointly hold about 30 events per year.

More information about all activities within the framework of the Twinning programme is available here: https://international.megu.edu.ua/en/ukrainian-british-cooperation-2022-2024/

VISITS TO GREAT BRITAIN

June and September 2024, the IUEH delegation made two visits to Bath and London to establish cooperation with Bath Spa University. During the meetings, strategic plans for further work in a number of areas were discussed, including joint educational and scientific projects. The negotiations were constructive and opened up new prospects for partnership between the two institutions.
    

February 2 – 6, 2026, a delegation from Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities  (IUEH) visited Bath Spa University (UK) as part of the Twinning partnership.
The IUEH delegation included Rector Professor Vitalii Demianchuk, Head of the International and Project Department Alina Kruhliak, Head of the Department of Romance and Germanic Philology Iryna Budz, and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture, and Sports Vadym Koval.


The key event of the visit was the solemn ceremony of awarding the academic title of Honorary Doctorate to the rector of IUEH, Vitalii Demianchuk, which was attended by the leadership of Bath Spa University, the academic community, and students. This event was not only a recognition of the personal scientific and managerial achievements of the rector of IUEH, but also a symbol of trust and support for Ukrainian higher education institutions in the context of war and global challenges. 


During the visit, strategic working meetings were held on the development of institutional partnership between IUEH and Bath Spa University. The meetings focused on joint participation in international and European grant programs, development of research cooperation, exchange of academic experience, as well as integration of innovative educational practices and European standards of education quality.
The Rector of the Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities, Professor Vitalii Demianchuk, was awarded the academic title of Honorary Doctorate of Bath Spa University (Great Britain). The award ceremony took place on February 3, 2026, in Bath during the winter graduation ceremony. 

The prestigious title was awarded by Bath Spa University for Professor Vitaliii Demianchuk’s outstanding scientific achievements, academic leadership, and personal contribution to the development of international partnerships between Ukrainian and British higher education institutions. During the ceremony, Professor Vitalii Demianchuk emphasized in his speech the symbolic significance of this award for the entire Ukrainian academic community: 

«It is a great honor for me to be here with you today in Bath, at the university that is a center of culture, science, and development, and to receive an Honorary Doctorate. I deeply appreciate this high award and recognition from Bath Spa University. I accept it on behalf of our university community, Ukrainian scientists, teachers, and students who, despite the dark times for Ukraine, continue to serve science, teach, and learn. Working with such people is a privilege for which I am grateful».

March 23-25, 2026, representatives of IUEH participated in an international scientific and educational conference in Liverpool (United Kingdom), during which a series of important and productive meetings with international partners took place. In particular, a substantive meeting was held at the University of Liverpool with the leadership of the Science for Ukraine mentoring program. Participants discussed opportunities for joining the program, exchanged experiences, and identified promising areas for further cooperation between Ukrainian researchers and British mentors. At IUEH, we are convinced that participation in the Science for Ukraine program will open new opportunities for the professional growth of researchers.
Special attention was given to establishing partnership contacts with Coventry University. The parties discussed potential areas of cooperation in the field of peacebuilding, which could be implemented within the framework of IUEH Center for Research on Peace, Equality, and Sustainable Development, including participation in the international readings “I Vote for Peace”.

#GENERATORS4UKRAINE

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure suffers from regular targeted missile and drone attacks. The lack of stable electricity makes it difficult to conduct classes and poses a health risk to students and university staff, especially during the cold autumn and winter months.

As part of the Twinning initiative, at the request of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Cormack Consultancy Group launched a fundraising campaign ‘Generators4Ukraine’.

Thanks to contributions from British universities and private companies, a total of 9 Ukrainian universities have already received energy solutions, but the campaign continues to reach the needs of more educational institutions. In 2024, Bath Spa University purchased a powerful generator for the IUEH as part of the #Generators4Ukraine initiative.

 

TWINNING EVENTS

First anniversary of Twinning. In 2023, IUEH representatives participated in the International Conference “Internationalization as a Key to Resilience and Recovery: The First Year of Twinning”. The event was held at the Lviv Polytechnic National University. The event was organized by the British consulting company Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG). Representatives of 60 Ukrainian higher education institutions that cooperate with British universities within the framework of the Twinning project joined the conference.

Head of the International and Project Department Alina Kruhliak and Dean of the Faculty of Journalism Viktoriia Klymiuk presented IUEH at the official opening. British partners joined the online discussion of internationalization through the prism of war and the project strategy for 2023-2024, where they discussed the role of universities as a driving force of regional and sectoral reconstruction.

Second anniversary of Twinning. On July 5, the second international Twinning UK-Ukraine 2024 conference “The Role of Universities in the Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine” took place. In the capital of Poland, Warsaw, university representatives joined in discussing the results and further plans.

For two years , universities have been implementing joint international events in the field of education and science in various areas. During the conference, the Chairman of Cormack Consultancy Group, Charles Cormack, summarized the results achieved by the twin universities, and also outlined the challenges that partners face when implementing joint activities.

Head of the International and Project Department Alina Kruhliak and Head of the Migration and Consulting Department Julia Coats had the opportunity to share their experience in implementing projects and joint events with colleagues from different regions of Ukraine.

At the end of the conference, the collection of works “I Vote for Peace” was presented to the Head of the Twinning Programme Charles Cormack, which was published as part of the project “I Vote for Peace: Cooperation and Compassion in a Time of War”, in which Charles himself participated last year.

The achieved results of the partnerships and outlined future plans will help develop universities, increase rankings, expand internationalization, and open up new opportunities for both students and teachers of universities in Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

In June 2025,
IUEH has been honored for its active participation in the Twinning Program implemented in cooperation with  Bath Spa University (UK).

The award from Charles Cormack, founder of the Cormack Consultancy Group, was a confirmation of the effectiveness of the partnership and another step towards further expansion of international cooperation.