Heriot-Watt commits to new academic partnership with Kyiv

Heriot-Watt University has developed an academic collaboration with the Kyiv Aviation Institute in Ukraine, launching joint research and teaching initiatives while laying the groundwork for future exchange programmes.

Representatives from both institutions met online and in person at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cementing their commitment to academic collaboration. The partnership will focus on sharing knowledge to drive innovative research, developing online course materials, and hosting summer schools.

Through this partnership, academics at Heriot-Watt are preparing online course material in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for students in Ukraine. Scheduled to launch next month, the teaching materials are being developed by Professor Bert Blocken, an aerospace engineer at the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, whose expertise in aerodynamics research extends to collaborations with elite professional athletes.

The MoU was formally signed today (March 28) by Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, and Kseniia Semenova, Acting President of the State University “Kyiv Aviation Institute”.

Afterwards, Professor Williams spoke of the significance of the agreement, saying: “This partnership is testament to the power of education in fostering resilience and collaboration, even in the most challenging times. We are delighted to forge a partnership with this prestigious institution"

For 85 years, the Kyiv Aviation Institute has trained more than 200,000 highly skilled professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leading scientists, executives in aviation companies, and specialists in aircraft maintenance and air transportation.

Kseniia Semenova, Acting President of the State University “Kyiv Aviation Institute” said on today’s signing: “This partnership is a vital step in strengthening Ukraine’s academic resilience and global standing. By collaborating with Heriot-Watt University, we are reinforcing our commitment to developing world-class technological expertise and ensuring that Kyiv Aviation Institute remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence in technical education.”

This new partnership promises to enable students and academics at both institutions to benefit from cross-border learning opportunities with the expectation of exploring future joint degree programmes.

Professor Igor Guz, Executive Dean of the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, was present at the signing of the MoU.

He welcomed the agreement, saying: “This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting academic excellence and innovation, even in the face of adversity. By sharing expertise and resources, we are building a foundation for future generations of engineers and scientists who will drive progress in both Ukraine and beyond."

Kyiv Aviation Institute was represented at the ceremony by Peter Chernyshov, the Head of the Supervisory Board of KAI, Professor Iryna Zarubinska, Vice Rector on International Advancement and Partnerships, Professor Roman Odarchenko, Dean of the Faculty of Air Navigation, Electronics and Telecommunication and Professor Sviatoslav Yutskevitch, Dean of the Aerospace Faculty.