Ukrainian university rectors discussed new opportunities for cooperation at the Estonian University of Life Sciences

Ukraine’s public higher education system is undergoing changes aimed at bringing it into closer alignment with the European Higher Education Area, which was also one of the reasons behind the visit to Estonia.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences welcomed Vadym Tkachuk, Rector of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine; Valentyna Yakubiv, Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University; Halyna Shylo, Rector of Zaporizhzhia National University; Tetyana Shtal, Rector of Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics; and Svitlana Kalashnikova, Adviser at the Institute of Higher Education of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.

According to Ülle Jaakma, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and Ukrainian universities share similar areas of responsibility as well as a common interest in finding research-based solutions to the challenges facing society.

“Ukraine currently needs support both in maintaining the continuity of its higher education and research and in preparing for post-war recovery. The Estonian University of Life Sciences can share its knowledge and experience in fields that are highly important for Ukraine’s future – from agriculture, veterinary medicine and environmental protection to engineering, the circular bioeconomy and rural development. The meeting helped us strengthen our existing cooperation and gain a clearer understanding of the areas in which we can move forward together,” Jaakma said.

“There is certainly also much that we can learn from Ukrainian universities,” the Rector added. “The cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv are located very close to the front line, which means that the universities there have to operate under extremely difficult conditions every day. It is remarkable that they have managed to organise their teaching and research under such circumstances. We expressed our full support for them,” said Ülle Jaakma.

The Ukrainian university leaders were interested in the funding model of Estonian higher education institutions and the principles of budgeting, strategic management, support for research projects, and the internationalisation of teaching and research. Discussions also covered cooperation between universities and businesses and ways to support the professional development of academic staff. Participants also exchanged experiences on how universities can put their knowledge into practical use more effectively in a rapidly changing society.

Vadym Tkachuk of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine said that, as a next step, he would like to arrange thematic online meetings between the institutes of the two universities so that the discussions held in Tartu can be translated into concrete action.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences has a long history of cooperation with Ukrainian higher education institutions and public-sector organisations. Joint educational and development projects have created online courses on environmental and climate issues and developed micro-credential programmes supporting the green and circular economy, Ukraine’s resilience and post-war recovery. Cooperation also extends to veterinary medicine, agricultural robotics, ergonomics, environmental protection and engineering.

The discussions were also attended by Vice-Rector for Research Kalle Olli, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Endla Reintam, Director of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Aret Vooremäe, Director of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences Toomas Tiirats, Director of the Institute of Forestry and Engineering Marek Metslaid, Development Manager Linnar Pärn, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs Ina Järve, Head of the Department of Marketing and Communication Kristina Kurm, and International Relations Specialist at the Department of Academic Affairs Ksenia Safonova.

The Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Estonia took place from 21 to 26 September. During the visit, the delegation visited several Estonian universities and discussed further opportunities for Estonian–Ukrainian cooperation in higher education. The meeting at the Estonian University of Life Sciences formed part of a cooperation programme involving Estonian universities and brought to Tartu, in particular, leaders of Ukrainian universities specialising in technology and engineering.

The Ukrainian rectors also addressed the Senate of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and joined Senate members for a group photo.