Mainz University of Applied Sciences is further expanding its international network and is pleased to welcome Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA) as a new partner institution in Ukraine. During a visit by Olena Verenych, Head of the Centre of International Cooperation and Partnership and Kostiantyn Chernenko, Sub-Dean for International Cooperation, Faculty of Construction representatives from Kyiv, the cooperation agreement was officially signed by the President of Mainz UAS. The document had previously been signed by the university leadership in Kyiv. The Dean of KNUCA joined the signing ceremony digitally, underlining the significance of this new partnership for both institutions.
A Partnership Built on Strong Personal Academic Ties
This institutional cooperation is rooted in an already well-established academic connection. Following the outbreak of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, doctoral candidate Ihor Tvoronovych from KNUCA contacted Hochschule Mainz seeking academic supervision in the field of architecture. The exchange with Prof. Thomas Mrokon developed immediately into a constructive and productive collaboration, laying the foundation for closer ties between the two institutions. A joint Summer School in Mainz is already in preparation.
This close collaboration in architecture subsequently led to broader institutional networking. It quickly became clear that there are numerous areas of shared academic strength: all three disciplines represented within the Faculty of Engineering at Hochschule Mainz – Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Applied Informatics and Geodesy – are also strongly established at KNUCA.
Interdisciplinary Exchange and Future Perspectives
Promising opportunities for cooperation were identified in several fields: The Sub Dean of Civil Engineering at KNUCA was part of the visiting delegation and engaged in direct academic discussions with Prof. Stephan Mai from Civil Engineering at Hochschule Mainz.
With the formal signing of the agreement, both universities have created a solid framework for future collaboration, including student and staff mobility, joint teaching initiatives, and collaborative research projects.
Especially in challenging times, strengthening international academic partnerships is of particular importance. Mainz University of Applied Sciences looks forward to a close and productive cooperation with the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture and to the joint projects that will emerge from this partnership.
