Uzhhorod National University Delegation Participates in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme at Trinity College Dublin
From 29 June to 3 July 2026, a delegation from Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) participated in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training programme at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), one of Europe's most prestigious research universities. The mobility was organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 project (2023-1-IE02-KA171-HED-000142730), which aims to strengthen international cooperation between higher education institutions in Ireland and Ukraine.
The UzhNU delegation included Acting Rector Professor Volodymyr Smolanka; Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching Professor Myroslava Lendel; Dean of the Faculty of Economics Professor Vitalii Herzanych; Associate Dean for International Relations Associate Professor Volodymyr Andryshyn; Head of the Career Centre, Europass and Euroguidance EU–Ukraine Adviser Associate Professor Tetiana Buturlakina; and Senior Specialist at the UzhNU Media Centre Anastasiya Lendel. Together with colleagues from West Ukrainian National University in Ternopil, the delegation took part in an intensive programme of professional development, knowledge exchange, and international partnership building.
The programme commenced with an official welcome at Trinity Global, where participants were introduced to the university's internationalisation strategy and its priorities for global engagement. Meetings with the university's leadership focused on opportunities for expanding academic cooperation, developing new Erasmus+ initiatives, and strengthening partnerships between Ukrainian and Irish universities. The delegation also visited the Trinity AI XR Hub, where they explored the application of artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies in education, research, and the development of responsible leadership.
Particular attention was devoted to sustainability. During a meeting with Trinity's Sustainability Team, participants learned about the university's initiatives in biodiversity enhancement, decarbonisation, and sustainable campus management. The delegation also visited the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, where they explored interdisciplinary climate research, public engagement initiatives, and innovative approaches to climate policy.
An important component of the programme consisted of meetings with academic staff from Trinity's Faculty of Economics, during which participants discussed prospects for joint research projects and future international research collaboration. Additional sessions focused on Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Cooperation Partnerships, intercultural communication, and the promotion of innovation within higher education institutions.
A key feature of the programme was job shadowing, tailored to the professional responsibilities of each participant. Representatives of the UzhNU Career Centre visited the Trinity Careers Service, exchanging experience on career services development, student employability support, and contemporary approaches to career guidance. At the same time, the representative of the UzhNU Media Centre Anastasiya Lendel completed a placement at the Trinity Communications Office, gaining insight into internal and external communications, digital marketing, research communications, social media management, and media relations.
Professor Volodymyr Smolanka, Acting Rector of UzhNU, also met with the leadership of Trinity's School of Medicine. Discussions focused on medical education, the organisation of university clinical services, and opportunities for future cooperation between the two institutions.
Another important aspect of the programme addressed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Trinity representatives presented the university's institutional policies on equal opportunities, inclusive practices, and the implementation of the internationally recognised Athena Swan programme, which promotes gender equality and inclusive academic environments.
Participants also met with representatives of the Trinity Ukrainian Society and Ukrainian researchers working in Ireland. Discussions centred on supporting Ukrainian students abroad, strengthening academic networks, fostering community engagement, and enhancing cooperation between the Ukrainian diaspora and higher education institutions in Ukraine.
Alongside the professional programme, the delegation had the opportunity to experience Trinity's rich cultural and historical heritage by visiting the Old Library and viewing the world-famous Book of Kells, one of the most valuable treasures of global cultural heritage.
The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme provided an outstanding platform for professional development, the exchange of best practices, and the establishment of new international partnerships. Representatives of Uzhhorod National University gained valuable experience in university governance, career services development, communications, digital transformation, sustainability, inclusive education, research, and innovation.
The visit concluded with a final meeting at Trinity Global, during which participants reviewed the outcomes of the mobility and identified priorities for future cooperation. These include the development of new Erasmus+ projects, the expansion of student and staff mobility, collaborative research initiatives, and broader institutional partnerships.
Uzhhorod National University expresses its sincere gratitude to Trinity College Dublin, the Trinity Global team, and all colleagues who contributed to the organisation of this programme. Participation in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme represents an important step towards strengthening international cooperation and expanding European partnerships that will contribute to enhancing the quality of education, research, and innovation at Uzhhorod National University.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information-publishing centre
