Representatives of councils of Ukrainian universities visited the University of Tartu

On 6 March, the University of Tartu hosted representatives of the councils of three Ukrainian higher education institutions. The purpose was to give the guests an overview of the functioning of the Estonian higher education system, the governance of universities, and the labour policies in Estonia.

During the meeting, participants discussed the principles of universities’ strategic development and the shaping of human resource policies. Experiences were also exchanged on supporting research careers, updating the system of academic positions, and international cooperation. Ukrainian colleagues were interested in how Estonian universities ensure autonomy and maintain responsibility in developing efficient governance and highquality higher education.

The Ukrainian delegation included Petro Chernyshov, Council Chair of the Kyiv Aviation Institute; Boris Shestopalov, Council Chair of Zaporizhzhia National University; and Iryna Ivanchuk, Member of the Council of the National University of KyivMohyla Academy. From the University of Tartu, Rector Toomas Asser, Vice Rector for Development Tõnu Esko, Head of the Rector’s Strategy Office Taivo Raud, Legal Counsel Aliis Liin, and Head of International Cooperation Kristi Kerge were present at the meeting.

Ukraine’s government has set accession to the European Union as a national strategic goal, which is also linked to extensive higher education and research reforms. The changes include updating legislation concerning academic staff and modernising universities’ governance models. As a pilot project, international councils are being established at three universities.

The visit took place within the framework of the Estonian Centre for International Development’s project supporting the higher education reform in Ukraine.