Uzhhorod National University Delegation Visits the University of Lancashire
From 6 to 8 November 2025, a delegation from Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) led by Rector Professor Volodymyr Smolanka, Vice-Rector Professor Myroslava Lendel, and Associate Professor Dr. Antonina Bulyna visited the University of Lancashire in Preston, United Kingdom.
The visit was part of the long-term partnership between Uzhhorod National University and University of Lancashire, aimed at strengthening academic cooperation, developing joint research projects, and promoting cultural and educational exchange between the two institutions.
The visit began on 6 November with a meeting at the School of Veterinary Medicine, where the delegation discussed opportunities for cooperation in veterinary education, clinical training, and joint research.
The UzhNU delegation participated in a formal reception hosted by the British university’s leadership, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ruth Connor, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Allen, and Director of International Partnerships Paul Rowe. During the reception, Rector Professor Volodymyr Smolanka delivered a keynote address highlighting Uzhhorod National University’s achievements, international projects, and its growing role within the European higher education space. The reception also served as a platform for networking with academic staff and representatives of local government and community organizations, marking another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two universities.
The official program continued with a meeting at the School of Medicine and Dentistry on 7 November. Discussions were led by Professor Alison Carr, Dean of the School, and focused on the expansion of collaboration in medical education, student exchanges, and academic mobility. Both sides reviewed the outcomes of previous initiatives and identified new areas for cooperation in teaching innovation, research, and joint academic activities.
Later that day, the delegation took part in the event “A Celebration of Ukrainian Culture and Literature” at the Harris Museum in Preston, which became a cultural highlight of the visit. During the event, Professor Volodymyr Smolanka addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of academic diplomacy and the role of education in strengthening cultural understanding. Following the Rector’s address, Vice-Rector Professor Myroslava Lendel delivered a presentation highlighting the key areas of cooperation between Uzhhorod National University and the University of Lancashire. Dr. Antonina Bulyna presented a talk titled “Re-imagining the Ukrainian Identity”, exploring how Ukrainian literature and culture contribute to national resilience and European integration. The program also included a keynote speech by Professor Oksana Lutsyshyna, followed by interactive discussions and creative activities.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to deepening their partnership and developing new joint initiatives in the fields of medicine, social sciences, culture, and innovation.
Uzhhorod National University expresses sincere gratitude to the University of Lancashire for the warm welcome, productive meetings, and the opportunity to continue building bridges of academic and cultural cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information-publishing center
