City formalises twinning agreement with Ukrainian university

City, University of London has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University in Ukraine, as part of the Twinning scheme.

The flagship programme, backed by Universities UK and Cormack Consultancy Group, aims to support universities in Ukraine by creating meaningful partnerships with higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Underpinned by funding and support, the scheme is a practical initiative to prevent academic fatigue and help Ukrainian universities emerge from the ongoing conflict with added resources, skills, and international experience.

The programme has already seen more than 70 UK universities ‘twinned’ with Ukrainian partners.

Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University is a prestigious public university established in the 1930s, offering teaching in both English and Ukrainian. The institution was forced to relocate to Central Ukraine due to the Russian seizure of the Donetsk region in 2014 and many staff members continue to have the status of internally displaced persons.

Several areas have been identified for collaboration over the lifetime of the five-year agreement. Plans are at an advanced stage between respective journalism departments for guest lectures and joint seminars. Examples of this collaboration that are being considered include a joint examination of how the ongoing conflict is being represented in both the Ukrainian and British media.

Dr James Rodgers, Reader in International Journalism and City’s presidential envoy on Ukraine, said:

“’We are delighted to be starting this partnership with Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk University.

We see it as an opportunity to not only offer assistance to academic colleagues and students whose work and education have been so severely disrupted by Russia’s war on Ukraine, but also for a partnership from which we at City also stand to benefit greatly in terms of what we will learn.

As well as journalism, the partnership has potential to explore opportunities in other shared subject areas such as economics, history, international politics, law and psychology.

Nataliia Steblyna, Professor in the Department of Journalism and Social Communications, Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University, said:

"This collaboration represents a valuable opportunity for us and many learning opportunities.

“For example, we are really looking forward to hearing an online lecture on British media coverage of Russia's full-scale invasion, which will be presented by Dr Rodgers.

“Additionally, my students are keen to discuss their viewpoints on Europe's future, including Ukraine and Britain's roles within it. We are also keen to learn about the educational experiences and leisure activities of City’s student-journalists, with the intent to feature insights in our newspaper.

“We look forward to a successful and longstanding friendship and deeply appreciate City’s support for Ukraine and our university."

City staff and students who are interested in discussing ways of getting involved with the partnership and Twinning programme can contact Liberty Oberlander, Global Partnerships Manager.