The invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 saw UK universities introduce extraordinary initiatives of support, aid, and partnership for Ukrainian institutions and their communities.
One year on, as the devastating conflict continues, a wide-ranging review aims to understand the value and impacts of the initiatives implemented.
Through this review, Universities UK International (UUKi) seeks to identify the lessons that can be learnt to inform how the UK higher education sector might respond to future international humanitarian crises.
UUKi has commissioned Halpin Partnership to conduct a review of the landscape of responses from across the sector. Due to report in July 2023, the review will be the first of its kind to map and record activity undertaken in response to the invasion by UK universities. Representatives from a range of institutions will also be invited to directly contribute through interviews and discussion groups.
This research will shape an understanding of the policies and practices that can strengthen the crisis response capacity of UK institutions. It is expected that the review will deliver recommendations as to how universities, funders and government can ensure stakeholders are well positioned to offer crisis support in the future.
Susie Hills, Joint CEO and Co-founder, Halpin Partnership, said “As a specialist HE consultancy, Halpin is regularly in close contact with universities across the country. At the time of the invasion, we were deeply impressed by the compassion as well as the speed and scale of action we saw from the sector. We’re delighted to be working with Universities UK International to review the sectors’ response and look forward to highlighting the positive actions taken by universities, as well as identifying ways of facilitating action should this be required in the future.”
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International (UUKi), commented: “UUKi’s mission is to create the conditions for UK universities to thrive internationally. This includes maximising the positive impact they can make globally in terms of understanding the sector’s role in responding to future humanitarian crises. By commissioning this research, we hope to benefit those affected by this and future international crises through sharing learning, expertise and the creation of a framework that will enable swift and effective action from across the higher education community.”
To find out more or contact the review team visit our project page.