Last week, we attended the official kick-off event of the German-Ukrainian Network of Universities (DUHN), held on 3 and 4 December 2025 in Berlin. More than 100 representatives from universities, politics, and higher education institutions from both countries gathered to launch 30 collaborative projects and initiate the network’s first official meeting.
Strengthening Academic Cooperation
DUHN aims to deepen German-Ukrainian collaboration, support joint academic initiatives, and contribute to Ukraine’s integration into Europe. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of strong academic ties and highlighted the shared commitment to long-term cooperation, even as Ukrainian institutions continue to face the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression. The resilience and reform spirit of Ukrainian universities received particular recognition, underscoring their central role in shaping the country’s future.
Key Moments and Contributions
The programme featured high-level addresses from Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the DAAD; Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space; H.E. Oleksii Makeiev, Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany; and Harald Christ, founder of the Harald Christ Foundation for Democracy and Diversity. In a video message, Prof. Dr. Mykola Trofimenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, welcomed the participants and stressed the value of sustained academic cooperation.
Panel discussions and poster sessions complemented the programme and offered opportunities for in-depth exchange. Participants presented their projects, learned about the work of other teams, and explored future paths for collaboration within the network.
Shared Messages
Across all contributions, several themes became clear. German universities, funding institutions, and numerous partners continue to show unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, demonstrating how strongly the international academic community stands united in its support. Higher education was highlighted as a key driver of resilience, reconstruction, and innovation, essential for Ukraine’s stability and its path toward Europe. The DAAD and its member universities were also recognized for their swift and flexible response in adapting programmes, launching new initiatives, and consolidating these efforts under the DUHN framework, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Above all, the network builds on genuine partnerships grounded in mutual learning, respect, and a shared vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
The launch of DUHN marks an important milestone in German-Ukrainian academic relations. With its long-term perspective and strong institutional backing, the network is set to strengthen exchange, research cooperation, and joint innovation for many years to come. It is a promising beginning for a partnership that will continue to grow and contribute to the development of both countries’ higher education landscapes.
