SUUN: Saar-Ukraine University Network

Overcoming Borders for a European Future

Saar-Ukraine University Network (SUUN):

 Overcoming Borders for a European Future

 

Project Duration: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2029
Coordinating Institution: Saarland University (Universität des Saarlandes)
 

Saarland University Team:

• Amerikanistik — Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Fellner, Dr. Alina Mozolevska, Eva Nossem, Dr. Olha Polishchuk & Team
• Europa-Institut — Prof. Dr. Stefan Weber, Dr. Mareike Fröhlich & Team
• Germanistik — Prof. Dr. Stefanie Haberzettl, Dr. Elisabeth Venohr & Team
• Romanistik — Prof. Dr. Janett Reinstädler & Team
• International Office — Dr. Ekaterina Klüh

Key Ukrainian Partners:

• Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University (PMBSNU) — Dr. Liudmyla Sherstiuk
• Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) — Prof. Dr. Oleksandr Pronkevych
• Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (IFNUL) — Dr. Olha Mayevska
• Mariupol State University (MSU) — Iryna Sikorska
• National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) — Prof. Dr. Roman Petrov

This initiative is a continuation of successful previous cooperations and is built upon experience gained through prior funded projects under this program.

 

SUUN — Saar-Ukraine University Network: Overcoming Borders for a European Future — is a major interdisciplinary project that brings together Saarland University and five Ukrainian partner universities to strengthen academic ties between Germany and Ukraine.

By combining expertise across the humanities, cultural studies, languages, and law, SUUN fosters collaborative research, innovative teaching, and capacity building for sustainable, modernized universities.

At its core, SUUN is designed to foster a resilient, forward-looking academic network that bridges borders and contributes to Europe’s shared future. The project directly responds to the urgent need for supporting Ukraine’s higher education sector during the ongoing war and in preparation for the country’s integration into the European Union.

Vision and Context

SUUN builds on Saarland University’s strong tradition of international cooperation, its cross-border identity in the heart of Europe, and its long-standing partnerships with Eastern European universities, especially in Ukraine. Located at the crossroads of Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium, Saarland University has cultivated European collaboration as a pillar of its academic mission.

Ukraine’s candidate status for EU membership has highlighted the importance of aligning its higher education system with European standards. SUUN aims to accelerate this process by creating shared curricula, double and multiple degree programs, modernized university management, and an active culture of exchange among students, scholars, and university leaders.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen academic ties: Establish a sustainable network for long-term German-Ukrainian cooperation in education, research, and institutional development.
• Modernize study programs: Develop joint interdisciplinary teaching modules and degree programs, especially in linguistics, cultural studies, and law, that meet European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards.
• Promote mobility and multilingualism: Enable Ukrainian students and academics to participate in hybrid, on-site, and digital mobility programs; enhance language skills in English, German, and other European languages.
• Support university management: Provide training for Ukrainian deans, vice-rectors, and administrative staff on internationalization, strategic planning, quality management, and digital transformation.
• Encourage knowledge exchange: Organize interdisciplinary summer schools, public lecture series, research stays, workshops, and training modules to share best practices in modern education and administration.

How SUUN Works

SUUN will be implemented in two major modules:

Module 1: Joint Teaching and Learning

• Develop collaborative teaching modules that connect expertise in English/American Studies, German as a Foreign/Second Language, Romance Studies (Hispanic Studies), and Law.
• Pilot hybrid courses and shared classrooms, combining online learning with short-term mobility.
• Offer interdisciplinary summer schools on topics such as sustainability, Europeanization, diversity, and border studies — leveraging Saarland’s unique position as a historic border region.
• Support Ukrainian students in continuing their studies despite war-related disruptions by providing opportunities to study at UdS and recognize credits earned abroad.

Module 2: University Management and Internationalization

• Deliver the SUUN Training Course (SUUN-TC) for Ukrainian higher education leaders, inspired by UdS’s long-running DAAD/HRK DIES IDC LA training program for international university managers.
• Cover core topics such as strategic departmental planning, quality assurance, HR management, research administration, and networking.
• Equip participants with practical skills through case studies, peer coaching, and alumni networking.
• Develop strategic action plans for implementing reforms at Ukrainian home institutions.

Innovative Approaches

The project emphasizes flexible and resilient learning structures. Building on experience from the “Studybridge Ukraine Saar” initiative, SUUN combines digital learning tools, hybrid teaching formats, and open-access learning materials to ensure continuity of education under challenging conditions.

The project will also leverage synergies with other European university alliances, such as Transform4Europe, to create new pathways for joint master’s degrees and micro-credentials that reflect modern labor market needs.

Expected Impact

By the end of the funding period, SUUN aims to leave a lasting impact:

• A robust, independent academic network that strengthens Ukraine’s education sector and international standing.
• Joint degree programs and innovative teaching modules that attract students from both countries and beyond.
• A new generation of students, graduates, and faculty equipped with cross-cultural, digital, and European governance competencies.
• Stronger institutional capacity within Ukrainian partner universities to implement EU-aligned reforms in teaching, research, and administration.
• A proven model for rebuilding and modernizing universities in times of crisis that other institutions can adapt.

Be Part of It

• Whether you are a student, scholar, university manager, donor, or partner — your contribution matters.
• 📌 Stay connected: Follow our updates and success stories.
  🎓 Join us: Study, teach, research, or collaborate.
  🌍 Support us: Invest in Ukraine’s resilient academic community and help rebuild Europe together.

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• Contact
• 📧 Project Info: Eva Nossem, Saarland University
  🌐 More info: here on our website - stay tuned!

 

Together, we overcome borders. Together, we build Europe’s future.