From 19 to 23 October, representatives of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (BKNUC) took part in the E³UDRES² Autumn Summit 2026, held in Riga and Valmiera, Latvia.

The university was represented by Oleksandr Spriahailo, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Innovation and International Activities; Svitlana Koval, Head of the International Relations Office; and Halyna Lutsenko, Director of the Centre for Digital Education and Professor at the Department of Automation and Computer-Integrated Technologies.

The international event was organised by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year. The summit brought together more than 130 representatives of European universities, researchers, academic staff, students, and regional partners to exchange experience, discuss innovations in education, and explore prospects for further cooperation. Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy is an associated partner of the E³UDRES² European University Alliance, making the summit another opportunity to showcase the university’s experience and strengthen ties with European colleagues.

One of the summit’s key events was the international conference “Learning for Challenging Times”, held on 19–20 October in Riga. Its programme focused on current issues in the transformation of higher education, including the use of artificial intelligence, the development of critical thinking, practice-oriented learning, future skills development, and collaboration between universities, businesses, and communities. Oleksandr Spriahailo, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Innovation and International Activities, presented a poster entitled “Motivation Over Obligation: Rethinking Field Training in Higher Education”. Svitlana Koval presented the work entitled “From Assignment to Impact: How Digital Media Capstone Projects Connect Journalism Students with Real-World Partners”, while Halyna Lutsenko delivered a presentation on “Pedagogical Agility as a Framework for Challenge-Based Learning in Higher Education”.

In addition, on 21 October, Halyna Lutsenko conducted a hands-on workshop entitled “Motivating with AI: Hands-On Techniques for the Classroom” for academic staff from the E³UDRES² universities and teachers from Latvian schools. Throughout the summit, BKNUC representatives participated in discussions on the future of university education, the development of digital competencies, the use of artificial intelligence, and the implementation of Challenge-Based Learning. Particular attention was paid to how universities can better integrate practical experience into learning, engage students in interdisciplinary projects, and foster collaboration with businesses and local communities. The programme also featured presentations of solutions developed by students during an international hackathon and provided an opportunity to explore innovative teaching practices at E³UDRES² partner universities.

Meetings between alliance representatives and associated partners formed another important part of the visit. On 22 October, the BKNUC delegation took part in the “Exchange with the E³UDRES² Associated Partners” session, during which representatives of partner universities introduced their institutions, shared experience, and discussed prospects for joint activities within the alliance, particularly the next stage in the development of E³UDRES² – E³UDRES² 2.1.

For BKNUC, as an associated partner of E³UDRES², such meetings are an important part of its international engagement. They help strengthen academic ties, identify potential partners for new projects, and involve academic staff and students in joint educational initiatives.

“This week in Latvia was not only an opportunity for us to showcase the university’s experience and discuss new projects but also a chance to reaffirm that genuine international partnerships are built primarily on trust and personal relationships. It is particularly important that Ukrainian universities, as associated partners, are actively involved in discussions about the future of the E³UDRES² Alliance. We feel the openness of our European colleagues, their support and their willingness to deepen our collaboration. The unanimous decision of the Alliance’s Executive Board on the further development of our partnership is an important signal for Ukrainian universities and, at the same time, an incentive to work on new joint initiatives,” said Oleksandr Spriahailo.

Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy continues to strengthen its partnership with E³UDRES², contributing to the development of a shared European Education Area and the implementation of innovative approaches to teaching and research.

International Relations Office