Expanding German – Ukrainian Academic Cooperation

In November, a delegation of leading Ukrainian academics visited Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT) to further strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation. The delegation included Prof. Olena Hlazunova, Vice-Rector for Research and Digitalisation of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP); Prof. Ihor Bolbot, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technologies at NUBiP; Prof. Yaroslav Smytiukh, Head of the Department of Automation and Computer Systems at National University of Food Technologies (NUFT); and Prof. Viktor Sydletskyi, coordinator of the bachelor’s and master’s study programs in Automated Control Systems at NUFT.

During their visit, the delegation met with Prof. Dr. Roland Kirchberger of Faculty VII. A group of Students of Faculty VII presented their results from an ongoing joint research and educational project. This exchange will soon continue in an online format resulting in a successful cooperation between the universities. In December, students from NUBiP and NUFT will present their own progress to BHT participants during online sessions.

The delegation also toured the packaging Technology laboratories with Prof. Stefan Junge. Discussions resulted in an agreement to launch a joint interdisciplinary student project in packaging and automation beginning in 2026. The Projekt will start online with shared seminars and virtual laboratory activities. From 2027 – subject the situation in Ukraine- BHT students will have the opportunity to travel to Ukraine for joint research and company visits.

The delegation also met with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Gober, Dean of Faculty VII and Dr.-Ing. Marcus Purat, who is responsible for the faculty’s international relations, to discuss a planned double master’s degree between BHT and NUBiP. This initiative was launched in 2023 under the leadership of then-Dean Prof. Dr. Roland Kirchberger, who will kindly continue to support the process. With final adjustments to the NUBiP curriculum, both sides are optimistic and expect the program to begin soon.

A major driver of current and future cooperation is the DAAD-funded project “PACK IT”, initiated at BHT in 2025 through the efforts of Olivia Key, Head of the International Office. The project aims to strengthened academic collaboration in packaging technology automation technology and information technology. It also includes annual leadership meetings among BHT, NUFT, NUBiP and Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University (KMONU), along with online capacity-building activities to strengthen cooperation and enhance the digital and international management capacities of Ukraine universities.