Kyiv Polytechnic among participants in ‘International Day 2026’ at Leibniz University Hannover
From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the representatives of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute – Yuliia Chernetska, Associate Professor at the Power Supply Department and Academic Mobility Coordinator at the Educational and Research Institute of Energy Saving and Energy Management, and Yuliia Peretiatko, Associate Professor at the Department of Theoretical Electrical Engineering and Deputy Dean for Academic and Organisational Affairs at the Faculty of Electrical Power Engineering and Automation, took part in Staff Week held under the theme “Welcome Services and Support Offers for International Students”. They represented Kyiv Polytechnic during the ‘International Day 2026,’ organised by Germany’s Leibniz University Hannover.
The visit took place as part of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) project ‘Mechatronics, Energy, Robotics and Innovative Technologies with Ukraine (MERIT-Ukraine)’ under the ‘German-Ukrainian University Network 2025–2029’ programme. The main objective of the MERIT-Ukraine project is to establish a sustainable and internationally visible academic partnership between Leibniz University Hannover and Ukrainian universities – Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and Lviv Polytechnic National University – in the specified areas, particularly energy technologies and electrical power engineering, through joint teaching and research, innovative learning formats, exchange, networking, resource sharing and training.
The main part of the Staff Week programme involved participation in thematic seminars and events aimed at exchanging the experience to provide support services, adaptation, integration and mentoring of international students and early-career researchers, as well as familiarisation with current practices in terms of the internationalisation of the educational environment. Among the participants in Staff Week were representatives from partner educational institutions of Leibniz University Hannover from European Union countries – France, the Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Italy, Lithuania and Romania – which offered excellent opportunities to expand academic networks and exchange experience.
The highlight of the visit was participation in the ‘International Day 2026’ on 1 July – a main event organised by the International Office of Leibniz University Hannover to promote university’s internationalisation and foster a fruitful, intercultural dialogue. The event brought together students, lecturers, staff and guests from around the world, creating a platform to explore cultural diversity, international educational opportunities, and academic partnerships. The format of International Day included presentations on international projects and mobility programmes, information stands showcased by partner universities, interactive activities, a cultural programme, and an opportunity to discover the national traditions and cuisines of various countries. Featured at the event, the Kyiv Polytechnic information stand served as a platform for presenting both the university and the international DAAD MERIT-Ukraine project, as well as a contact point for Ukrainians, and anyone interested in Ukraine and/or committed to support the country at this challenging time.
On 2 July, Staff Week participants also had the opportunity to participate in two festivals held at Leibniz University Hannover. In the daytime, the European University Alliance EULiST staged a festival entitled ‘A Celebration of Diversity in STEM and Sustainability’ – an event dedicated to the role of diversity, equal opportunities and sustainable development in the realm of STEM education. Particular attention was paid to student and community initiatives aimed at supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting STEM education across diverse social groups, developing interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering an inclusive academic environment. In the evening, the traditional annual Summer Festival took place in the park near the main building of Leibniz University Hannover, where every faculty and department of the university provided entertainment for students, staff and all local residents.
The presentation of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the ‘International Day 2026’, as well as its participation in Staff Week events, helped to establish new professional contacts, exchange experience and promote university’s international cooperation within the European academic community.
