29 March 2023

Today marks one year of the twinning initiative which has gone from strength to strength, boasting more than 100 twinning partnerships between universities in the UK and Ukraine – including seven here in Wales. The landmark programme has enabled Ukrainian campuses to stay open, academics to continue vital teaching and research activities and most importantly, students have been given a lifeline to continue their studies.

Set up soon after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cormack Consultancy Group, in partnership with Universities UK International (UUKi), established twinning in the hopes of reducing ‘brain drain’, and to further support universities in Ukraine to come out of the crisis with increased resources and skills. The positive impact of the scheme was recognised by government through a £5m UKRI investment that was made in late 2022 to support its work.

In Wales, the Global Wales programme pledged funding of up to £15,000 per university to further facilitate the partnerships, and last week announced a further round of funding, through HEFCW, of up to £20,000 per project in support of Welsh-Ukrainian partnerships.

Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International said:

“Today marks a monumental occasion as we reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of the twinning partnerships over the past year. It’s amazing to see the bonds that UK and Ukrainian institutions have made with each other through the scheme. These vital relationships have helped to strengthen ties between our two systems and highlights the UK’s continued support for Ukraine through the current conflict.”

He added: “With thanks to funding from Research England, we are delighted to announce that 33 partnerships will receive grants to develop research and innovation activities that will further strengthen the scope and impact of the twinning scheme."

On the one-year anniversary of the twinning initiative, it was announced today that 31 UK universities have been awarded funding through the UK-Ukraine Research and Innovation twinning grants scheme – provided by UKRI’s Research England – to enable twins to further their research and innovation collaborations.

Professor Cara Aitchison, Chair of the Welsh Sector Group on Ukraine said:

“As a Nation of Sanctuary, Wales offers welcome and support to refugees from across the globe.  The Ukraine Twinning scheme fits perfectly with this ethos, enabling universities to provide aid and resources when and where they’re needed most.

“One year on from the start of the conflict, I am pleased to see Wales’ universities continuing to stand united with Ukraine universities as they develop long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships

“Participation in this incredibly important scheme provides vital resources and support to Ukrainian institutions, staff and students, enabling them to continue their work under the most challenging of circumstances, and assisting in rebuilding their culture and confidence in the longer term.

“These partnerships are a testament to the global communities we inhabit and our shared values of the pursuit of knowledge and ideas, and the role higher education plays across society.”

ENDS

Notes

  • Global Wales provides a strategic, collaborative approach to international higher education and further education in Wales. The programme is a partnership between Universities Wales, ColegauCymru, Welsh Government, British Council Wales, and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.  
  • Activities being undertaken in Wales under the twinning scheme include:
    • Mobility programmes for students and staff
    • Free access to online libraries, learning resources, and on-line accredited courses
    • Scholarships
    • Supply of equipment and resources
    • Online events – inaugural lectures
    • Research collaboration
    • English language testing
    • Community support for Ukrainian refugees
  • Universities UK International will host a parliamentary reception on the evening of 29 March 2023, to mark one year of twinning. Speakers will include Rt Hon Lord Johnson of Marylebone, Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi, and first-hand accounts from Ukrainian students and staff.
  • Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG) has been working with universities on the development of their international strategy and activity for over 22 years. Founded in 1999, CCG quickly established its position in the United Kingdom as one of the leading consultancies that supports UK universities looking to develop transnational education.