The results of research projects from the partnership agreement between the University of Portsmouth and Odesa Polytechnic National University have been presented at the UK-Ukraine Research Twinning Showcase and Networking Conference.
The University's agreement with Odesa Polytechnic National University is aimed at creating a long-term partnership, with the focus on identifying ways the University can support its Ukrainian partner during the current Russian conflict.
Dr Andrii Zharikov, Senior Lecturer in Law and the University's Academic Lead for Odesa Polytechnic National University, presented the outcomes of 26 collaborative research and innovation projects, which were funded through the UK-Ukraine Research and Innovation twinning grants scheme provided by UKRI's Research England.
The projects, which spanned technology, biomedicine, business and management, education and preserving cultural capital, were jointly led by academics from both institutions. Examples of some of the projects presented included:
· Analysis of the safety of Ukraine's nuclear power industry in extreme operating conditions.
· Identifying and supporting vulnerable women and children in Ukraine and helping their reintegration and re-socialisation.
· Enhancing online and digital learning and managing the welfare of children and teachers.
· The use of intelligent and energy-efficient transportation systems.
· How culture can survive conflict: puppetry and the socialisation of children in the time of war.
Our partnership has resulted in a number of both institutional and personal links between academics from Odesa and Portsmouth, which provides the foundation for future collaborative projects, both in research and educational provision.
The highlight of our cooperation is the attempt to lay down foundations not only on an institutional level, but also to form personal connections among individual researchers for future collaboration.
Dr Andrii Zharikov, Senior Lecturer in Law and the University's Academic Lead for Odesa Polytechnic National University
Outcomes to date have included:
· Joint publications in world-leading and national academic journals.
· Presentations of research findings at more than 30 national and international conferences and workshops.
· Analytical reports and proposals for policymakers and stakeholders, including implementation of those in the Odesa City Economic and Social Development Strategy. The Odesa Regional Employment Center identified the package of proposals as a significant contribution to the development of effective strategies to improve the lives of women and children, who are most vulnerable in war and post-war times.
· Two joint Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science coordinated 'virtual roadshows' of all projects to the wider Ukrainian academic community.
Dr Zharikov said: "Our partnership has resulted in a number of both institutional and personal links between academics from Odesa and Portsmouth, which provides the foundation for future collaborative projects, both in research and educational provision.
"The highlight of our cooperation is the attempt to lay down foundations not only on an institutional level, but also to form personal connections among individual researchers for future collaboration.
"Institutionally, we have formed strong bonds with the Odesa leadership team and are currently exploring several possibilities regarding future funding bids in different areas, as well as supporting their continuous educational provision at the time of war. We also established a bursary for Odesa graduates to take on PhD studies at the University of Portsmouth."
Thanks to the success of the partnership, mutual work will continue and will involve joint funding applications in research and innovation, development of training programmes in entrepreneurship and small business management as well as a number of conference presentations and joint research publications.
