The project “Strengthening the Standards of Teaching, Research, and International Cooperation at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University,” funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the Programme for Strengthening the Capacities of Public Universities in Ukraine, builds on the prior initiative “Support for Improving the Quality of Teaching, Research, and International Activities at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University.” This earlier collaboration between Charles University (CU) and Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (DNU), successfully implemented from June to December 2023, has led to a continuation of the partnership in 2024 due to the significant interest and commitment of both institutions. The project aims to further enhance DNU's scientific research, educational framework, and international collaborations.

I. Key objectives of the new initiative include:

• Improvement of the educational process by increasing the qualification of DNU management and teachers and supporting the development of digitalization and E-learning at DNU;

• Strengthening of scientific research activities and research management at DNU with the help of experts from CU;

• Increasing the level of international activities and cooperation of DNU with institutions abroad.

The project also emphasizes collaboration between the institutions’ departments and faculties, creating opportunities to deepen mutual understanding on strategic development issues, accelerate decision-making on joint actions, and promote shared academic values across Europe.

II. Notable Achievements and Activities

Implementation of a series of online workshops for DNU representatives from May to November 2024, focused on the topics of (i) methodological and technical support of electronic information resources and digitalization of teaching, (ii) modern didactics and use of LMS Moodle, (iii) support of open science and science data, (iv) project management and implementation of projects KA171 Erasmus+ ICM and KA2 Capacity Building in Higher Education.

International Conference: In September 2024, the institutions co-organized the international conference “Prospects of Hydro-Ecological Research in the Context of Local and Global Consequences of Warfare.” Held at DNU under the auspices of the Eastern Partnership University Cluster, the event brought together experts to address critical research topics.

Professional Internships: In October and November 2024, a professional internship for 12 representatives from DNU was conducted across various faculties at CU. This included: First Faculty of Medicine (Department of Rehabilitation and Diagnostics), Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (Departments of Physics of Materials and Condensed Matter Physics), Faculty of Science (Sections of Biology and Chemistry), and the International Relations Office of the Rectorate (Interuniversity Cooperation Office, Erasmus+ Office, and Centre for Strategic Partnerships). These internships aimed to foster academic excellence, enhance professional expertise, and strengthen international partnerships.

Research Mini-Grants: DNU researchers were encouraged to apply for competitive mini-grants to develop and implement scientific projects. Proposals, submitted in English and Ukrainian, were evaluated based on criteria such as publication records, research contributions, project relevance, expected outcomes, and overall quality. In October 2024, a selection committee comprising representatives from DNU and CU identified 12 outstanding proposals to receive funding.

III. Strategic Impact

This collaboration not only strengthens DNU’s capabilities in teaching, research, and international cooperation but also deepens its integration into global academic networks. By leveraging the expertise and resources of CU, the project fosters sustainable development in Ukrainian higher education and supports the broader vision of academic excellence and collaboration across Europe.