UMD, Ukrainian University Sign Agreement to Pursue Joint Endeavors

Against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the University of Maryland has begun a new partnership with a higher education institution in the Ukrainian capital.

UMD President Darryll J. Pines and Volodymyr Bugrov, rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU), signed a memorandum of understanding last week to begin searching for collaboration opportunities including student and faculty exchanges; joint research activities; seminars, conferences and other academic meetings; and sharing of publications and access to library collections. The agreement was facilitated by the Edinburgh-based Cormack Consultancy Group.

“As a higher education institution, we have a duty to support our fellow universities in their pursuit of free inquiry. It gives me great pride to do so with Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv,” Pines said. “The University of Maryland has dedicated itself to reimagining learning and advancing the common good through global partnerships. It is my fervent hope and expectation that the collaborations that grow out of this agreement will do the same.”

KNU was founded in 1833, and is today the leading academic and educational hub of Ukraine. It is the alma mater of numerous Ukrainian leaders, and its 3,400 academic staff include winners of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology and awards from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its branches. KNU researchers produce more than 1,200 publications each year and subject strengths include materials science, chemistry, nanoscience and technology. In recent years, UMD and KNU researchers have produced joint publications involving geophysics, astrophysics and astronomy, and climate monitoring for the enhancement of Ukrainian agricultural production.