Austrian universities bundle forces for Ukrainian studies

Austrian universities bundle forces for Ukrainian studies

Wien, Österreich - On June 17, 2025, a new milestone was set in the science landscape of Austria: the University of Graz, the University of Innsbruck, the University of Klagenfurt and the University of Vienna merged into a global coalition for Ukrainian studies. This step, which was celebrated in the presence of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, is intended to strengthen the exchange and academic cooperation in the field of Ukrainistics. The establishment of the coalition, which was initiated in July 2024, is a significant step in promoting international discourse via Ukraine and the development of educational and research projects in this topic, such as MedienPortal.univie.at describes.

The focus of the coalition is particularly focused on the interdisciplinary research fields that include language, literature, history and culture of Ukraine. A memorandum of cooperation was passed during the contract signing, which strengthens the cooperation between the Ukrainian Institute and the Austrian universities. The key points include the development of programs for knowledge distribution via Ukraine, the exchange of experiences and resources as well as the organization of joint scientific events.

academic votes for cooperation

The rectors of the universities involved expressed optimistic about the advantages of this cooperation. Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna, emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific cooperation in the field of Ukrainistics. Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz, pointed out the relevance of education and cultural exchange for Europe. Ada Pellert, Rector of the University of Klagenfurt, emphasized the academic solidarity, while Veronika Sexl, Rector of the University of Innsbruck, focused on promoting Austrian-Ukrainian university cooperation.

Wider European commitment

This commitment is not to be considered isolated. Other initiatives, such as the competence network funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), interdisciplinary Ukraine studies in Frankfurt (Oder) and Berlin, receive support of 2.5 million euros. At the opening on July 11, 2024, numerous creative measures were presented, including scholarships for researchers and a certificate program for students, which is due to start in the next winter semester, reports Europa-Uni.de .

The DAAD also promotes the construction of two other centers for interdisciplinary Ukraine studies in Germany so that the Ukraine expertise in Europe is expanded further. As part of these projects, specialist areas and institutions are to be worked together and communication between actors from science and civil society, such as "https://www.daad.de/de/der-daad/kommunikation-pressen/pressemitteilungen/2024/daad-foerdert- interdisciplinaere-ukrainestudien/"> daad.de Reading is.