Coventry University signs agreement with Kyiv University

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Nicky Godding

Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture in Ukraine

Coventry University is hoping to help a second university in Ukraine as the war with Russia continues.

Coventry University and Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA) have agreed to explore KNUCA offering Coventry University degree programmes, as well as online summer schools and potential joint research between the two institutions.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is part of the international Twinning Ukraine project which sees universities around the world supporting institutions in Ukraine and was set up in the wake of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Coventry University has already signed another MoU with Alfred Nobel University in Dnipro to look at sharing expertise, research and developing studies in the country as part of the project, and have now been awarded a grant to create a dual degree programme between the two institutions.

Sir Ciarán Devane, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and director of the Research Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, said: “Our MoU with the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture seeks to support Ukraine in its efforts to rebuild for the day peace returns. But it also aims to support the immediate efforts to ensure the economy of Ukraine remains vibrant, innovative and entrepreneurial at a time when Ukraine is the frontline for sustaining peace in Europe.

“Along with our MoU with Alfred Nobel University, it is hoped this relationship will allow us to share Coventry University’s expertise with leading scholars in Ukraine and collaborate with specific UK Government initiatives to support the economic resilience of Ukraine.

“We aim to make an impactful contribution to supporting the people of Ukraine at such a terrible time.”

Andrii Shpakov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at KNUCA, said: “At our university we realise dreams of the future look of post-war Ukraine, its cities and infrastructure. We strive to create a perfect innovative educational environment for young people that will rebuild Ukraine.

“Our university embodies the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people and their desire to create rather than destroy. With the help of our colleagues at Coventry University, we hope to create the conditions for the effective rebuilding and innovative development of our brave and free country.”

Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe. After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts. She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.