Khmelnytskyi National University joined the international initiative The Twinning and received a British partner university.
The The Twinning initiative is aimed at building stable partnerships between British and Ukrainian higher education institutions to prevent the so-called “brain drain”, to create conditions for overcoming crisis phenomena, and to develop the higher education system of Ukraine in accordance with the best global practices. The initiative was launched by the Cormack Consultancy Group with the support of the Association of Universities of Great Britain (Universities UK), the Government of the United Kingdom, and the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Support of Education, Science, and Sports
Khmelnytskyi National University joined the project in the spring and received a potential twinning partner for cooperation – Bangor University. Founded in 1884 and located in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, Bangor University is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. The university is known for its internationally acknowledged research. Bangor University has about 10,000 students studying at three colleges (nine schools and one centre).
Both universities – Khmelnytskyi National University and Bangor University – have similar faculties, common scientific interests, and a desire to develop and support education and science. And due to these, the initiation of interuniversity cooperation was started.
Through participation in the The Twinning and the support of Bangor University, about 300 students and teachers of Khmelnytskyi National University got free access to English language courses on the Reallyenglish platform and started their studies. The University’s library joined the RapidIL service – an international library exchange system.
Khmelnytskyi National University and Bangor University are developing strong ties between the student councils. In particular, there have already been meetings between representatives of student councils of both universities to discuss the opportunities for cooperation. Colleagues from Bangor University also addressed Jisc, a not-for-profit organisation, which provides digital, data, and technology services and resources to support Ukrainian higher education institutions, with a request to help Khmelnytskyi National University prevent and resist cyber-attacks, ensure uninterrupted operation of internal systems, etc. During a series of meetings between representatives of Bangor University and Khmelnytskyi National University, a wide range of common interests and potential opportunities for long-term cooperation in the scientific field were discovered.
The ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding between Khmelnytskyi National University and Bangor University took place on October 13, 2022. The document was solemnly signed by the Rector of Khmelnytskyi National University, Serhii Matiukh, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, Oliver Turnbull.
Serhii Matiukh, the Rector of Khmelnytskyi National University, noted: “It is an honour for us to have such a twin university as Bangor University. We have high hopes that with the signing of the memorandum of understanding and cooperation, we will lay the foundation for long-term, fruitful cooperation between our institutions.”
The participants of the meeting discussed strategic and mutually beneficial areas for cooperation between universities, including the mobility of students and teachers, joint scientific research, English language courses for students and teachers, cooperation between student communities, and technical assistance for Khmelnytskyi National University.
Khmelnytskyi National University and Bangor University strive to build strong ties aimed at cooperation and cultural exchange that will overlive the war and contribute to the recovery of the Ukrainian education system.
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