University of Liverpool Strengthens UK–Ukraine Research Ties at STI Pillar Launch in London

University of Liverpool Strengthens UK–Ukraine Research Ties at STI Pillar Launch in London

(IN BRIEF) Professor Igor Potapov from the University of Liverpool attended the launch of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Pillar of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership in May 2025, showcasing the University’s collaboration with Sumy State University. At the event, Minister Patrick Vallance and Ukrainian Minister Oksen Lisovyi acknowledged the resilience of Ukrainian science despite wartime challenges. The University’s work with Sumy, including the co-supervision of PhD students, was highlighted during the event. Professor Potapov encouraged further participation in the UK–Ukraine Academic Mentoring Scheme, which fosters partnerships between UK mentors and Ukrainian researchers. Additionally, alumni Holly Tann and Adam McQuire are contributing to the partnership through the donation of educational equipment.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 6-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Professor Igor Potapov from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Computer Science participated in the official launch of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Pillar of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership on 20 May 2025, held at the British Academy. As a pivotal figure in UK–Ukraine academic collaboration, Professor Potapov played an essential role in organizing the event by inviting key UK academics and showcasing the University of Liverpool’s collaboration with Sumy State University through two informative posters. His previous initiative in March 2025, which took place in Liverpool, further promoted the exchange of research best practices between the UK and Ukraine.

The event was led by Minister Patrick Vallance, marking the official unveiling of Pillar 8—Science, Technology, and Innovation—under the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership agreement. During their speeches, both Minister Vallance and Ukrainian Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, emphasized the outstanding resilience of Ukrainian science amid wartime challenges, recognizing the importance of international partnerships in rebuilding and advancing academic progress in Ukraine.

Three PhD students from Sumy State University, co-supervised by the University of Liverpool, were present at the event: Kateryna Zhuk (researching dietary changes during wartime Ukraine), Alina Rassokhina (focusing on online media regulation), and Tetiana Perederii (studying renewable energy development). These students had the opportunity to meet with Minister Lisovyi and share their research with him.

Professor Potapov expressed his pride in representing the University of Liverpool at the launch, stating, “It was a great privilege to contribute to this milestone event and to help strengthen ties between UK and Ukrainian researchers. The speeches by both Ministers reflected the determination of Ukraine to continue advancing its scientific potential. I’m thrilled that we could highlight our collaborative work here at Liverpool.”

He further encouraged University of Liverpool staff to get involved in the UK–Ukraine Academic Mentoring Scheme, an initiative designed to match UK mentors with Ukrainian researchers. “This scheme provides an excellent opportunity to continue the dialogue and support Ukraine’s academic community,” he added.

The success of the University of Liverpool’s early pilot projects has played a key role in promoting the LinkUA concept, a grassroots initiative aimed at building sustainable research collaborations between the UK and Ukraine. This concept is intended to create a scalable ecosystem for talent development, capacity-building, and long-term academic cooperation.

In addition, University of Liverpool alumni Holly Tann and Adam McQuire are actively supporting the partnership by donating educational equipment through the Casus Pax initiative. Their recent visit to Sumy State University forms part of their ongoing collaboration with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation.

For more information on the University of Liverpool’s partnership with Sumy State University, visit: Liverpool–Sumy Partnership.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool