Laying the Foundation of a German‑Ukrainian Alumni Network
The JLU Cooperates in its Alumni Relations with two Ukrainian Partner Universities
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine presents Ukrainian universities with immense challenges: the conflict targets the destruction of Ukrainian educational institutions in order to cripple the country’s scientific capacity. Support for Ukrainian universities is provided through a tightly integrated research cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. The Justus‑Liebig University of Gießen (JLU) can vastly expand its assistance thanks to funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The JLU succeeded in the DAAD call for the “German‑Ukrainian University Network (DUHN)”. For the network “Ukraine in Europe” it receives almost €800,000 over a four‑year period. The university network “Ukraine in Europe” is coordinated by the Giessen Center for Eastern European Studies (GiZo), an interdisciplinary research and teaching institute with long‑standing experience in collaboration with Ukraine. Another pillar is the successful cooperation with JLU’s Department of Chemistry, which has also maintained scientific contacts with Ukrainian partner universities for many years. In close coordination with the two partner institutions in Kyiv – The National University of Kyiv‑Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) and The National University of Igor Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute (KPI) – the new DAAD project seeks to sustainably support the Ukrainian higher‑education sector.
A central aim of the network is the development of a new joint English‑language cultural‑studies master’s programme. In chemistry, joint teaching modules are designed and implemented, including on‑site laboratory and study stays. Another element is scholarships for students and PhD candidates, which can be awarded for network activities and on‑site visits.
Although not part of the DUHN project, of at least equal significance is the unique provision by JLU and NaUKMA in Germany: enabling the young Ukrainians living here to pursue a regular degree in their mother tongue. For in‑person seminars, faculty from NaUKMA is serving as guest lecturers at JLU, which supplies the necessary infrastructure. Moreover, JLU accepts NaUKMA students as exchange students for the duration of their studies, thereby offering them the opportunity to engage with the JLU departments 03 – Social and Cultural Sciences and 08 – Biology and Chemistry.
Research and teaching activities are complemented by the creation of a German‑Ukrainian alumni network by the JLU Alumni Service and the participating institutes and departments. The JLU Alumni Service, together with the involved institutes and departments, ensures that networking continues beyond the project period and that the partnership also benefits society. Students, researchers and staff can make use of the Alumni Service's information offerings and attend alumni events. Specific formats further promote networking among alumni from Ukraine and participants in the network’s programmes.