On 15 July 2025, representatives of Kiel University (CAU) and Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University (KSAEU) held their first official online meeting for “Academic Cooperation and Teaching Initiative Kiel-Kherson” (ACTI-K²). The project began on 1 July 2025.
Extending the academic partnership
The four-year project builds on the universities’ existing cooperation and extends it to agricultural and nutritional sciences. Its activities include joint courses, summer schools and academic exchange for students and teaching staff.
At the meeting, the partners discussed the project’s goals, coordination arrangements and next steps. They developed a preliminary action plan for 2025 to 2029.
Commitment from both universities
As noted by the project leader, Prof. Dr. Kai Carstensen, “This partnership is more than just collaboration; it is a vital support system that strengthens academic ties, fosters innovative educational opportunities, and promotes the integration of Ukrainian universities into the European higher education area.”
Also present at the meeting, the Rector of KSAEU, Prof. Dr. Yurii Kyrylov, expressed his gratitude to the colleagues and Kiel University for their trust and effective cooperation, stating: “The collaboration between our two universities is a testament to true solidarity and support in these challenging times for Ukraine. The ACTI-K² project not only opens up new opportunities for our academic community but also builds a strong bridge between the Ukrainian and European systems of higher education.”
ACTI-K² is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) within the German-Ukrainian Network of Universities (DUHN), with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). We thank the funders and colleagues at both universities for making the programme and its coordination possible.
