Limerick and Kharkiv universities establish a partnership of academic and crisis support

Professor Vincent Cunnane, President TUS with Maria Osinska, Director International Relations, O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy | PICTURE: Alan Place

placeholder image — Professor Vincent Cunnane, President TUS with Maria Osinska, Director International Relations, O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy | PICTURE: Alan Place

A MEMORANDUM of Understanding has been signed between the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Ukraine’s O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv (O.M. Beketov NUUEK), beginning an academic partnership between the two universities.

The objective of the union between the twinning universities will be to offer crisis support during the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the collaboration of academic resources such as research support and the provision of research equipment.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the Moylish Campus of TUS on March 6 by President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane and virtually by Professor Volodymyr Babayev, President of O.M. Beketov NUUEK.

“Today’s signing solidifies the work undertaken by both universities to build a long-term relationship, the initial focus of which will be on identifying ways TUS can continue to support our colleagues and the students of O.M. Beketov National University during the current Russian aggression. It also outlines how this partnership will progress to provide a framework for further academic collaborations.” said Professor Vincent Cunnane.

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O.M. Beketov NUUEK has been bombarded throughout the war in Ukraine with attacks that destroyed important parts of the university, such as some of the dormitories. Despite this, the university that has a population of over 8,000 students has continued providing its services.

“We highly appreciate all the assistance TUS is offering us under these harsh circumstances. Beketov University is the most damaged one in Kharkiv amidst the ongoing hostilities, Russian shelling and missile attacks. Despite all these misfortunes, the University continues its educational and research activities, and keep all our commitments on international projects.” said Professor Volodymyr Babayev.

An assembly of representatives from O.M. Beketov NUUEK will be commencing the partnership as they visit TUS campuses and local points of interest.