From June 12 to 13, 2024, an important event organized by the OeAD took place in Vienna, constituting a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian universities. One of the main objectives of this event was to reinforce existing connections and explore new areas for collaboration between the two countries in higher education.
During the event, representatives from universities, research institutions, and organizations discussed a wide range of issues related to academic exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of educational programs. Significant attention was given to opportunities for students and teachers, including scholarships, internships, and other forms of support.
Participants shared their experiences and best practices. Lisa Heschl from the University of Graz and Svitlana Andreichenko from the University of Graz/International Humanitarian University Odesa presented the Erasmus+ project “Promoting Academic Freedom in Ukraine (FreeAc)” as an example of Erasmus+ good practice for cooperation between Ukrainian and Austrian universities. The FreeAc project is a significant initiative focused on enhancing academic freedom in Ukrainian higher education institutions. This project highlighted successful collaboration efforts and initiatives aimed at improving academic freedom and building educational links.
Overall, the event facilitated the establishment of new partnerships and the strengthening of existing ones, aimed at enhancing the level of education in both countries. Organizers and participants expressed confidence that the outcomes of this event would have a long-term positive impact on the development of higher education in Austria and Ukraine, and contribute to building strong academic and cultural ties between the two nations.