Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University actively works towards the cooperation with international partners, leading world institutions of higher education. Anatolii Tsos has recently returned from a business trip to Italy, where he visited the University of Bologna, taking part in the conference “Interaction of Universities with Society in Turbulent Times” and signed the Great Charter of Universities. This conversation is devoted to the Rector's working visit to Italy.
– Anatolii Vasyliovych, you actively informed on your social media pages about the visits to Italy, in particular the University of Bologna. The time has come to tell the Lesya’s people and all interested parties about it in detail.
– Indeed, the trip to Italy, in particular to the University of Bologna, was very interesting and effective. First, I would like to note that this higher education institution is the alma mater of university education. This is the first higher education institution that was opened in Europe and received the status of a university way back in 1088. Fine traditions of education and science have been formed there, high-quality scientific studies have been conducted, as well as good cooperation with society has been developed. This should be taken into account and such a university should be cooperated with.
– It is obvious that a specific schedule and tasks were formed before the trip. Tell us about it.
– The trip had several main tasks. First, participation in an international conference with the title standing for itself “The Interaction of Universities with Society in Turbulent Times.” Rectors of various institutions of higher education, including the University of Bologna, professors from the USA, South Africa, Poland, and Italy gave speeches during the event. The reports revealed the main aspects of interaction between universities in modern conditions. The speech of the Deputy Mayor of Bologna was informative and interesting. The experience of cooperation between the university and the city, joint projects were spoken about.
– You also took part in the signing of the Great Charter of Universities...
– Yes, this is a very important event. When the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna was celebrated, in 1988 the Great Charter of Universities was signed. Time has passed, life, circumstances, society, and ultimately other realities of education have changed, so has the Great Charter of Universities been updated. It is a great honor that Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University has signed the Great Charter of Universities. The heads of about 50 leading higher education institutions of the world took part in the signing procedure. The Charter defines the main strategic goals of the higher education development. This document includes, in particular, tolerance for different groups and categories of students, interaction with society, and more. By signing the Charter, our University declares compliance with these goals.
– In the photos from the event, it is noticeable that there were many of your colleagues, rectors, attending the event. Was it possible to communicate, exchange experience?
– Yes, we had excellent communication with colleagues from various universities around the world. I am pleased to note that everyone I spoke with supports Ukraine and our institutions of higher education. Besides me, there were several rectors from our country. It is positive that the organisers have created a special section for Ukrainian universities. All fellow rectors actively expressed their support for our education. They wanted to hear about the specific areas in which they could be useful in. I am extremely satisfied with this trip, because it opens a new segment of development of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University and cooperation with the world's leading institutions of higher education, in particular the University of Bologna.
– In your previous interviews, you emphasised that we need to remove a kind of inferiority complex regarding our education in the European context, because Ukrainian higher education institutions are quite competitive in Europe and provide quality education. Did this trip confirm your position?
– I am one hundred percent sure in this opinion. Our education fully meets international standards. However, there is work to be done. This is, for example, a laboratory base. To be honest, it lags behind the European universities. That is why I made many proposals for the involvement of the Ukrainian scientists in the European scientific groups for joint research, and they were received responses. And if this task is fulfilled, then our science and education will take a significant step forward its development. In the context of international cooperation, much was said about academic mobility. In fact, all rectors have expressed their willingness to provide internship opportunities for our students and thus support our education. They also want to cooperate under the “Visit Professor” programme. This is also an important direction that will improve the quality of education.
– At the University, a lot is being done to improve the integration in the international direction, intensive cooperation and communication. How would you rate this direction?
– We must clearly understand that there is a war in Ukraine. We are defending our country from the aggressor and all forces must be directed to the Victory. The main activity of universities today is volunteering, helping the Armed Forces, providing them with various devices and materials. At the same time, we must fulfill our function of training highly qualified specialists. I am convinced that now in Ukraine, there are no internal reserves for the development of education and science due to the war. Therefore, we must be pragmatic and understand that at this stage of the development of our industry, it is only possible due to international cooperation. It goes without saying. Our task is to work in this direction as much as possible.
Andriy MOSHKUN interviewed
Photo and video: University of Bologna
