As part of Science Week at Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, a meeting of the “Future Sighting Workshop” Scientific and Project Hub was held, focused on rethinking the future of the university, developing international scientific cooperation, and shaping new interdisciplinary research areas.

Researchers from various educational and scientific departments of the university took part in the event. During the meeting, participants discussed the transformation of modern higher education, the role of universities in regional development, and the opportunities for international integration of science and education.

In the first part of the meeting, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Innovation and International Activities Oleksandr Spriahailo presented the concept of the E³UDRES² Alliance’s Centres of Excellence and spoke about the university’s prospects for participation in international research ecosystems.

The presentation highlighted the key areas of activity of the E³UDRES² Centres of Excellence, which bring together universities, researchers, regional authorities, and businesses to implement joint applied and fundamental research projects. Particular attention was paid to such initiatives as RESONANCE – the Regional Socio-Technical Innovation and Intelligence Centre – and the One Health Applied Research Centre of Excellence for Regional Wellbeing and Sustainability.

Participants discussed the prospects for developing interdisciplinary research in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable development, regional innovation, health, and social inclusion, as well as opportunities for involving Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy in international grant programmes and joint European projects.

The second part of the event was conducted by Head of the International Relations Office Svitlana Koval in the format of a Future Sighting Workshop based on the “Three Horizons of the Future” methodology.

During the workshop, participants worked on three key areas:

• identifying challenges and trends that are already influencing university education today;
• shaping a vision for Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy in 2032;
• proposing specific steps and innovative practices that can be implemented immediately.

Participants identified a number of key challenges currently affecting the development of the university and the higher education system in general. Among them were the war, the demographic crisis, the outflow of young people and applicants abroad, financial instability, insufficient modern equipment, digital transformation, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Participants also highlighted the shift in educational paradigms, low student motivation, and the need to rethink the role of the university in society.

During the discussion of the second horizon, the participants emphasised the importance of strengthening international cooperation, developing contacts with international partners, modernising educational programmes, and introducing modern digital technologies. Key areas of transformation also included the development of practice-oriented learning, support for young scientists, strengthening the role of science and research, fostering digital skills and emotional intelligence, as well as adapting the educational process to the specific characteristics of the new generation of students.

While discussing the vision for the university in 2032, the workshop participants positioned Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy as an innovative international hub, integrated into European academic and research networks. Among the ideas put forward were the development of an English-language environment, compulsory international mobility, partnerships with businesses and other universities, modern high-tech research facilities, and the establishment of the university as a regional centre of innovation, science, and social development. Participants also emphasised the importance of creating a people-centred and well-being-oriented university – a university focused on individuals, their development and well-being.

Following the workshop, participants formulated a number of ideas regarding the development of international research partnerships, the launch of pilot interdisciplinary initiatives, and the strengthening of the integration of science, education, and innovation activities at the university.

The “Future Sighting Workshop” marked another step towards shaping the strategic vision for the development of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy as a modern European university, integrated into the international scientific and educational space.

International Relations Office