How Norway Strengthens the Role of Universities in Post-war Reconstruction of Ukraine: the UKRAINETT+ project

The School of Sociology at V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University is pleased to announce the launch of the new three-year project UKRAINETT+, implemented in collaboration with OsloMet University. The project aims to support Ukrainian scholars, universities, and research in Ukraine amidst the current conflict, with financial support from the Norwegian Research Council (No. 350241; 2024-2026). Elena Muradyan, Dean of the School  of Sociology, serves as the Ukrainian network coordinator. UKRAINETT+ has several objectives, primarily focusing on strengthening Norwegian-Ukrainian university and research cooperation.

According to project leader Professor Oddne Oslund, universities and research institutions will play a crucial role in Ukraine's reconstruction, providing essential knowledge to decision-makers in both Ukraine and Norway. The project includes scientific conferences, joint seminars on current Ukrainian societal issues, information bulletins for government bodies and NGOs, as well as podcasts and press conferences aimed at disseminating up-to-date knowledge about Ukraine. These activities are designed not only for researchers but also for actors involved in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

One component of the project involves establishing a network of Ukrainian universities and research institutions with existing or prospective partnerships with Norwegian counterparts. Currently, the network includes 16 institutions. Ukrainian participants have opportunities to engage in seminars, conferences, and joint projects with Norwegian colleagues, facilitated through micro-grant funding for collaborative research proposals.

"We are proud of Kharkiv National University's longstanding cooperation with OsloMet University. Our university is honored to be invited by the Norwegian side as one of the coordinators supporting the Ukrainian research network," noted visiting researcher at OsloMet University and associate professor at the School of Sociology, Oleksandra Deyneko. Operational Sociology serves as the second network coordinator in Ukraine.

The UKRAINETT+ project builds upon the two-year experience of the Norwegian research network UKRAINETT, which connects researchers and experts in Norway studying Ukrainian society. Currently, UKRAINETT comprises around 90 members, including representatives from Norwegian universities and research institutions as well as Ukrainian researchers in Norway. Network members contribute to promoting Ukrainian research in Norway, disseminating knowledge about Ukrainian society, and organizing annual conferences focused on comprehensive understanding of Ukraine.

We believe that UKRAINETT+ will mark a significant milestone in Ukraine's recovery and the development of international scientific cooperation. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and achievements.