The first vice-rector of the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Yehor Nazymko, took part in a working meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE project consortium “Universities – Communities: strengthening cooperation” (UNICOM) at the University of Genoa (Italy).
The main purpose of the meeting was to participate in coordination activities on the further implementation of the project, in particular work package №5, which concerns the development of practical mechanisms for interaction between universities and communities.
In recent years, the DonSUIA has been actively developing international cooperation in the academic and innovation spheres. An important direction is the implementation of the UNICOM project, aimed at deepening social interaction between universities and communities. One of the significant achievements was the creation of the «Community Interaction Center», for which 16,000 euros were allocated.
During the working meeting, participants discussed key aspects of the project:
- Interim results of UNICOM implementation
- Plans for the second half of 2025
- Italian experience in integrating the “third mission” of universities
- Presentation of the German guide to assessing the effectiveness of the third mission
Special attention was paid to the work within the framework of the international round table «Education in Emergency Situations», where the following topics were discussed:
- Current trends in crisis education
- Experience in organizing the educational process in wartime conditions
- Functioning of UNICOM centers in Ukrainian higher education institutions
- Support for the military, their families, and affected communities
An important stage of the meeting was the work in small groups on developing criteria for evaluating the third mission of universities. Participants emphasized the need for technology transfer and innovation for the successful implementation of this mission.
At the end of the event, an agreement was reached to hold a megaton with the participation of representatives of Ukrainian communities to assess the implementation of the third mission in higher education institutions. This event is expected to take place in the coming months.
The Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs was awarded an honorary award for its active civic stance, successful implementation of projects and initiatives within the framework of the university’s third mission – interaction with society, promotion of community development, security and legal awareness of the population.
The participation of the DonSUIA representatives in the international coordination meeting confirms the university’s active position in the development of academic cooperation and social interaction. The experience gained, and new partnership initiatives, will contribute to the further successful implementation of the UNICOM project, especially in the context of martial law in Ukraine.
