On October 13, 2025, the Faculty of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences at Kiel University (CAU) and the Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University (KSAEU) took an important step forward in their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement sets the foundation for even closer academic and scientific cooperation in the fields of agricultural and food sciences, marking a new chapter in the partnership between our two universities.
The collaboration continues to grow through their joint involvement in the German-Ukrainian Network of Universities (DUHN) project, “Academic Cooperation and Teaching Initiative Kiel–Kherson (ACTI-K²)”, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Prof. Dr. Kai Carstensen, Head of ACTI-K², opened the even. In his welcoming remarks to KSAEU’s delegation, he highlighted the critical importance of supporting Ukrainian academic partners during the ongoing war. “I am glad that the delegation was able to overcome such a difficult journey to join us here and continue our cooperation — now expanding into agricultural sciences”, said Prof. Dr. Kai Carstensen.
Prof. Dr. Viktoriia Hranovska, Vice-Rector of Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University (KSAEU), emphasized the importance of KSAEU’s participation in the project and the expansion of cooperation with Kiel University, especially in economics and agricultural sciences. She thanked her colleagues from CAU for their ongoing support, openness, and shared commitment to advancing education and research. “We are convinced that today’s agreement between the faculties will open new opportunities for joint research, training, and academic exchange,” said Prof. Dr. Hranovska.
Among the distinguished guests were Daniel Günther, Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein; Werner Schwarz, Minister of Agriculture; and Dr. Iryna Tybinka, Consul General of Ukraine in Hamburg. All of them expressed their sincere support for the Ukrainian people and highlighted the partnership between Kiel and Kherson as a true example of European solidarity.
The ceremony was also attended by a delegation from Kherson region, led by Deputy Head of the Kherson Regional Administration Dmytro Butriy, who noted the vital role of international cooperation in strengthening the region’s resilience and recovery capacity. “We are not alone on this difficult path — we feel support, and Kherson Region is deeply grateful to Germany for its solidarity and assistance”, emphasized Dmytro Butriy, Deputy Head of the Kherson Regional Administration.
The signed Memorandum of Understanding outlines the expansion of cooperation in agricultural and nutritional sciences, areas of strategic importance for the Kherson region — one of Ukraine’s leading agricultural areas. The agreement reaffirms the commitment of both universities to engage in joint research projects, academic exchanges, co-taught courses, and seminars, while promoting innovation in agricultural economics, sustainable farming, and food technologies.
The partnership between CAU and KSAEU already has solid foundations — cooperation has been ongoing for more than three years, initially launched under the DAAD-initiated project “Ukraine Digital: Ensuring academic success in times of crisis”. Despite the difficult conditions of wartime, teaching, research, and academic initiatives at KSAEU continue uninterrupted, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the Kherson community to move forward even in challenging times.
During their visit to Kiel, the Ukrainian delegation will share their experience in agricultural production, agribusiness development, and the post-war recovery of the agricultural sector. They will also highlight KSAEU’s scientific research areas, including land-use management, irrigation systems, crop productivity, and the implementation of sustainable farming technologies.
In turn, representatives of the Faculty of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences at Kiel University will present their leading research directions — from environmental management to cutting-edge agrotechnologies — which can serve as a foundation for future joint teaching and research projects.
The signing of this Memorandum marks another significant step in strengthening German-Ukrainian academic cooperation, supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine’s agricultural potential and promoting the sustainable and resilient development of European agriculture.
