Freie Universität Berlin promotes academic cooperation with Ukrainian universities and research institutes as part of its commitment to international networking and fostering European integration. Ukraine is a country that has taken decisive steps to become a key figure in the European scientific and educational landscape. Its impressive digital transformation, high potential for innovation, and academic excellence make it a most welcome member of our community. Despite the fact that war has been waged against the country for several years now, Ukraine has remained incredibly active when it comes to science, forged ahead with research projects, and contributed significantly to international scientific debates.

Academic cooperation with Ukrainian institutions takes many forms at Freie Universität Berlin. It encompasses institutional partnerships that include participating in student exchanges, incorporating partners into programs like Erasmus+ and funding initiatives of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), welcoming Ukrainian colleagues to the university’s International Staff Week, and involving and funding individual Ukrainian researchers in scientific projects in Berlin. Research is also conducted on subjects related to Ukraine at Freie Universität Berlin’s Institute for East European Studies (OEI) in cooperation with the Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU), and Ukrainian classes have been offered at Freie Universität Berlin since 2024.

These efforts have allowed Freie Universität Berlin to make a significant contribution to the international scientific landscape, support the academic resilience of Ukrainian institutions, and facilitate sustainable knowledge and experience transfer. This reflects not only our shared values and the excellence of our research, but also the common goal of building bridges between our scientific communities and developing innovative solutions to global challenges.