The visit not only demonstrated the depth of the strategic partnership between the universities but also laid a solid foundation for further synergy in education, research, and innovation, contributing to the growth of the international standing of both institutions.
An integrated strategic session brought together senior management leaders, deans, and leading experts from both universities for a comprehensive strategic dialogue. During the meeting, key development vectors were discussed, formats of institutional interaction with campuses were outlined, and priority areas for the implementation of future joint projects were agreed upon.
Poltava Polytechnic was represented by a delegation consisting of Volodymyr Onyshchenko, President of the University; Olena Stepova, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Work; Anna Ageicheva, Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Psychology and Pedagogy; and Anastasiia Onyshchenko, a representative of the student community.
London Metropolitan University was represented by senior executives and academic leaders of several faculties, in particular: Chris Lane, Dean of the School of Computing and Digital Media; Liz Opara, Dean of the School of Human Sciences; Sean Flynn, Dean of the Guildhall School of Business and Law and the School of the Built Environment; Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Gary Davies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The meeting enabled a multidimensional discussion and alignment of strategic priorities at all levels of academic and managerial activity.
The visit program began with a welcoming meeting between the President of Poltava Polytechnic and the leadership of London Metropolitan University. Volodymyr Onyshchenko delivered a comprehensive presentation on the University’s activities, its internationalization strategy, and current needs driven by adaptation to the realities of wartime conditions and the planning of recovery processes.
Further constructive dialogue focused on identifying mutual strategic priorities and outlining opportunities for long-term, institutionally sustainable partnership within the Twinning UA–UK Initiative – an ambitious program aimed at uniting Ukrainian and British universities through sustainable academic cooperation.
Participants had the opportunity to meet with Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Hall and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Gary Davies. Key discussion topics included institutional resilience, joint development of educational programs, opportunities for academic mobility, and models of integrated cooperation in education, research, and public engagement.
Subsequently, delegations from both universities took part in the thematic seminar “Open Ukraine to the World,” dedicated to the next stage of cooperation. Key discussions focused on the following areas: academic collaboration; development of joint and double degree programs in engineering, IT, business, management, and international economics; models for curriculum alignment and academic credit recognition; cooperation in scientific research and identification of joint research priorities; participation in international programs, including Horizon Europe and bilateral research initiatives between the United Kingdom and Ukraine; student and staff mobility, including semester exchange programs; support systems for visiting students and staff; internship opportunities and practice-oriented learning; joint staff development programs in internationalization, leadership, and innovation in educational programs; exchange of best practices in academic governance and strategic management; cultural cooperation and strengthening of intercultural dialogue; and implementation of joint student projects.
The visit took place on the eve of the Twinning Conference and the evening reception on November 13 – key events of the First UA–UK Week in the United Kingdom. The participation of Poltava Polytechnic once again demonstrated Ukraine’s academic resilience and its commitment to global integration even in the context of war.
This institutional visit laid a solid foundation for long-term and fruitful cooperation. The effective meeting resulted in the clear formulation of a roadmap for expanding the partnership between Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic and London Metropolitan University.
Both institutions expressed their readiness to intensify joint areas of activity, launch new academic initiatives, and make a meaningful contribution to consolidating international efforts in support of Ukraine’s higher education system within the strategic Twinning UA–UK Initiative.
This cooperation reflects the shared vision of both universities aimed at building strong academic platforms, expanding opportunities for students and staff, and opening Ukraine to the world through effective and sustainable international partnerships.
