The Department’s international projects and cooperation

The most important areas of the department’s international activities this year centred on the following priorities: the new European educational paradigm, the internationalisation of education, the digitalisation of teaching and learning materials, the maintenance of the existing network of partners, the implementation of objectives and the application of the outcomes of innovative international projects under the Erasmus+ KA1 and KA2 programmes, submitting applications to participate in European research and education grant programmes, the exchange of research experience, academic mobility, the introduction of new methods to raise standards of foreign language proficiency, international work placements, and the enhancement of teaching skills among academic and teaching staff.

The unique experience gained by the department through international cooperation provides grounds for considering it competitive in the international market for scientific and educational services and uniquely suited to carrying out multidisciplinary project activities in line with high international standards and requirements.

We provide a brief overview of our activities for the reporting period.

Activities by area:

1. Cooperation under the formal cooperation agreement with the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia):

1.1. Organisation of academic mobility and student studies at NTU ‘KhPI’ under the European Erasmus+ KA1 grant programme, based on the ‘Inter-institutional Agreement 2025–2028 between institutions from Programme and Third countries associated with Programme KA 171’ between NTU ‘KhPI’ and the University of Ljubljana dated 18 June 2025. Under the programme, two students from NTU “KhPI”, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Mathematics (Anna Litvinenko and Ignat Shmatko), have been studying at the University of Ljubljana since 1 October 2025..

1.2. Work on the ‘Innovative Transformation of Urban Space for Sustainable Mobility – URBANOVA’ project as part of the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-MISS-2024-CIT-01) with a consortium comprising 21 European partners from France, Spain, Finland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania and Turkey. URBANOVA is a multi-agent, multi-scale, multidisciplinary project based on a scientifically grounded eco-humanistic concept, embodied in technology that facilitates synergistic interaction between humans and the environment, leading to shared development. The original content- and structure-based model is built around eco-anthropic interaction as a system-forming essence from which all phenomena originate, enabling the management, scaling and replication of effective, innovative, synergistic solutions. URBANOVA facilitates the transformation of the urban mobility system within the framework of eco-economic-social sustainability, well-being and high development potential.

1.3. Preparation of a project on sustainable regional development within the framework of the new European paradigm, in collaboration with the University of Ljubljana and the ECTI Consultancy (Paris, France).

1.4. International work placements and professional development for staff of the department as part of a cooperation agreement with the University of Ljubljana (Prof. T. Sergeeva, Assoc. Prof. L. Salionovich, Senior Lecturer D. Novytska).

2. The DIGIUNI project as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 programme – ‘Digital University – Open Ukrainian Initiative’ (ERASMUS+ CBHE ‘Digital University – Open Ukrainian Initiative’),

№ 101129236–DigiUni–ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE.

Staff members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, including the Head of Department, Dr Tetiana Sergeyeva, Professor, and Nataliya Turlakova, PhD, Associate Professor, were involved in drafting the project proposal and carrying out the tasks of the international Erasmus+ KA2 project ‘Digital University – Open Ukrainian Initiative – DIGIUNI’.

The project will run from 2024 to 2027.

Partnership composition: The project consortium comprises 22 participants – representatives of renowned Ukrainian and European universities, professional associations, ministries and agencies, including Masaryk University in Brno (Czech Republic), Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Republic of Poland), the University of Alicante (Spain), Leibniz University Hannover (Germany), the University of Strasbourg (France), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen–Nuremberg (Germany), University of Cologne (Germany), National Technical University of Ukraine ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (the full list of consortium members is available on the department’s website).

The DIGIUNI project aims to develop an open digital educational environment for Ukrainian universities. This initiative is a response to the challenges caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression and the subsequent damage inflicted on Ukraine’s higher education system. The project highlights the importance of digitalisation for the continuity and success of educational institutions in Ukraine. It aims to draw on the experience of European universities in developing integrated digital solutions and to foster cooperation between Ukrainian and European partners.

The aim of the project is to create a highly effective digital educational ecosystem that will ensure continuous, high-quality, inclusive and transparent education throughout Ukraine, regardless of location. The core of the DIGIUNI project consists of two parts: the development and launch of a nationwide open digital educational environment – DigiPlatform – and the development of DigiUni as a pilot organisational mechanism for bringing together higher education institutions to achieve a common goal. In addition to DigiPlatform, DigiCentres are being established at each Ukrainian partner higher education institution, alongside the development of inter-institutional mechanisms, specialised digital courses and an innovative methodology for creating digital content. This approach ensures the digitalisation of learning and provides the necessary infrastructure for online and inclusive learning.

The project’s results and innovations achieved in 2025 by a multidisciplinary team of experts:

1. Methods for assessing the quality of digital content, including a critical analysis of quality assurance methods used in Ukrainian higher education institutions (case studies – questionnaires – content analysis);
2. Quality assurance guidelines for higher education institutions in Ukraine, including metrics for ensuring the quality of digital content;
3. Rules for publication on the official websites of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, including a questionnaire on digital content quality assurance; as well as innovative quality assurance strategies and tools;
4. An intellectual property policy conducive to open innovation (access, use and dissemination of content), including the improvement of newly created content: ‘Intellectual property issues in the creation of educational content’, ‘Intellectual property issues in the creation of learning content;
5. Requirements and standard guidelines for e-courses, as well as the procedure for publishing courses on DigiPlatform, including a checklist of requirements for e-courses under the new educational paradigm;
6. Innovative methodology and guidelines for creating digital content, including next-generation ID (concept–model–structure–algorithms);
7. An innovative prototype for creating a digital course;
8. A catalogue of available digital courses from higher education institutions in Ukraine, including a list of digital courses from Ukrainian higher education institutions with links, and statistics on existing EU courses with new specialism codes;
9. A critical analysis of digital courses from higher education institutions in Ukraine for compliance with the new educational paradigm;
10. A strategy for integrating VL and LVL into digital learning;
11. A system for initial and in-course testing has been developed;
12. A system for configuring the DigiPlatform artificial intelligence, including AI settings for lecturers, students and course developers;
13. A structured matrix of courses at Ukrainian higher education institutions (existing – updated – new);
14. Prototypes of educational modules, including templates for complete educational modules;
15. Prototypes of micro-learning modules, including a set of micro-learning modules for use by a wide audience;
16. A prototype of an electronic syllabus;
17. A prototype of an electronic student learning and personal development diary.

During the reporting period, several additional coordination and methodological activities were carried out that were not explicitly provided for in the project’s work plan but proved necessary to ensure coordination among the working groups and to advance the innovative methodology.

To facilitate coordination among the interdisciplinary working groups, a total of:

• 14 coordination meetings of consortium members on Zoom, which were initiated by the NTU KPI expert team and held to synchronize activities and ensure consistency across work packages, as well as to address issues related to the development of an innovative methodology, quality assurance guidelines, and design templates for e-courses. These meetings significantly contributed to clarifying interdependencies and refining joint procedures.

To coordinate the intensive methodological work, the department’s team of experts conducted:

• 45 meetings on Microsoft Teams dedicated to:

– developing and refining methodological approaches,

– developing guidelines and templates for digital courses,

– developing a digital syllabus template,

– implementing AI into the template for innovative digital courses.

From July 23 to 25, 2025, a meeting on the management of the DIGIUNI project was held at the University of Alicante (Spain). The event, attended by 22 European and Ukrainian partner universities as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, brought together participants to discuss the current status of the project’s implementation, coordinate work packages, and determine next steps. Department Chair Professor Tetiana Sergeyeva presented the status of DigiPlatform content development and delivered a report with presentations on an innovative methodology for creating digital courses and a template utilizing AI. The results were highly praised by the project consortium. The meeting confirmed the steady progress of the DIGIUNI project and laid the groundwork for effective work in the next phase.

From February 11–13, 2026, the second DIGIUNI project management meeting took place at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg (FAU) in Germany. During the event, Department Chair Professor Tetyana Sergeyeva presented a report titled: “DigiPlatform content development: what should be done next”/ “DigiPlatform Content Development: Next Steps” (Authors: Prof. Tetiana Sergeyeva, Prof. Oleg Kasilov, Assoc. Prof. Natalia Turlakova). The presentation consisted of 53 slides and was based on scientific and methodological work carried out as part of Work Package 4 (WP4), implemented in the Training of the Trainers Microcourses.

The first part of the report examined the current state of digital content development, the status of task completion, the achievement of key results and project milestones, an analysis of resources, and the principles for building a course portfolio. It also addressed the opening of the Digi-Centre, intellectual property, and the interaction between work packages (WPs).

The second part was devoted to the quality assurance (QA) system for digital content. The presentation covered the basic logic of QA, the quality assessment system, seven key criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs), the responsibility matrix (RACI), and control tools (questionnaires and checklists). Special attention was given to the role of QA as a systemic level of management. The presentation also outlined the risks of the quality assurance system, including the replacement of expert evaluation with voting, a decline in educational value, a blurring of responsibilities, the substitution of evaluation with management processes, and other challenges at the institutional, national, and European levels. In addition, the interaction between Work Packages WP6 and WP4 was discussed, and a section addressing frequently asked questions regarding the complexity of the QA system, its impact on academic freedom, and the role of expert evaluation was presented.

The presentation outlined key directions for the further development of DigiPlatform’s digital content and emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to quality assurance, taking into account the balance between technological solutions, expert evaluation, and academic accountability.

3. Organizing and hosting the International Graduate Student Conference “An Innovative Model for Research Projects Aimed at Ukraine’s Integration into the European Research Area” within the framework of the new European research paradigm, featuring European scholars from the United Kingdom and the publication of a collection of conference proceedings in English.

On April 24, 2025, a graduate student conference was held, in which the participants took an active part and demonstrated a high level of academic preparation. Substantive reports and presentations were delivered, distinguished by their relevance and analytical depth. The topics of the presentations reflected current trends in the development of the European educational space, particularly the focus on student-centered learning, interdisciplinarity, digitalization, and quality assurance in education within the context of the latest educational paradigm.

Conference materials are available on the department’s website and in the university’s repository: https://repository.kpi.kharkov.ua/handle/KhPI-Press/93333

4. Organization and hosting of the International Scientific and Methodological Conference “Student Personality Development in the Context of the New European Paradigm” on December 16, 2025. The purpose of the event is to promote the humanization of education in Ukraine, specifically by training teaching staff at Ukrainian universities in accordance with the new European paradigm to humanize the educational process and prepare a new generation of competent specialists. (Conference materials are available on the department’s website and in the university’s repository.)

5. Collaboration with the Cambridge English Assessment Center and the Ukrainian Examination Center “GRADE” on preparation for the Cambridge English First: FCE exam. Participation in two seminars, “Empowering Self-Study with Generative AI” and “Smarter Study Skills for Today’s Learners,” as well as preparation of eight teachers to take the exam in November 2025.
6. Based on international research, the department chair, Professor Tetyana Sergeyeva, authored a chapter for a monograph published in the United States, which has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication: Sergeyeva, S. Bronin (2026). Standardization without losing diversity and blocking innovations. The chapter in the collective monograph ‘Standards-Based AI Innovation for the Learning Ecosystem’; will be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing (USA), 60 pages.
7. Research projects, based on international experience gained by Professor T. Sergeeva, Associate Professor N. Turlakova (Department of Cross-Cultural Communication and Foreign Languages), and Professor O. Kasilov (V.O. Kravets Department of Systems Engineering) were certified and patented (Certificate No. 140936, Certificate No. 140910) in November 2025.
8. Cooperation with universities in the United Kingdom as part of the UK Initiative program, implemented with the support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth countries, the UK Department for International Development, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine. The project aims to deepen academic and scientific cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, in particular by developing partnerships between universities, exchanging expertise in the field of research and innovation, and jointly preparing and submitting project proposals under the Horizon Europe program. Participation in this initiative contributes to the department’s integration into the European Research Area, improves the quality of scientific research, enhances the international visibility of Ukrainian science, and expands opportunities to attract external funding for joint research and educational initiatives.
9. Continuation of the Department of Intercultural Communication and Foreign Languages’ role as a branch of the University of London (letter of cooperation agreement). Collaboration with the University of London as an affiliated member of SOAS GLOCAL within the framework of the project«Multi-actor/sector/disciplinary co-creation aimed at human-existential environment synergetic co-development via language as basics of thinking within new innovative AI culture» (2024-2030).
10. Participation in international conferences, with papers published in scientometric databases, including  Scopus & WOS:

10.1. T. Sergeyeva, S. Bronin (2026). AI Integration into Student-Centred E-Learning without Losing Subject Integrity. In Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education, M. E. Auer, U. R. Cukierman, E. Vendrell Vidal, and E. Tovar Caro, Eds., Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026 – Scopus (in press)

10.2. 1–3 October 2025 at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary), the 28th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL) and the 54th IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy were held, united under the theme ‘Innovation via Collaborative Learning in Engineering Education’. During the conference, Professor Tetiana Sergeyeva presented a paper entitled ‘AI Integration into Student-Centred E-Learning without Losing Subject Integrity’. The paper examined approaches to integrating artificial intelligence technologies into student-centred e-learning whilst preserving the subject integrity of educational content. Particular attention was paid to the challenges associated with the use of AI in the learning process, in particular the risks of oversimplifying course content, a loss of depth of knowledge, and the replacement of pedagogical objectives with technological solutions. Principles for the effective implementation of AI in the educational environment were outlined, which envisage a balance between innovative tools and the methodological soundness of teaching. The importance of maintaining academic standards, the role of the lecturer as an expert, and the need for quality control of digital educational content were also emphasised. Participation in the conference facilitated the exchange of international experience regarding the implementation of innovative technologies in the teaching process and confirmed the relevance of combining artificial intelligence with the pedagogical principles of student-centred learning without compromising the quality of education..

11. Analysis of critical comments and peer review of five monographs by Professor T. Sergeyeva in American academic journals recognised as scientometric publications, with the provision of official certificates. Analysis of and responses to critical comments regarding the methodology for creating digital content, and peer review of chapters from a monograph on the standardisation of digital education as part of the DigiUni Erasmus+ project.
12. HORIZON Europe: application forms for research projects.

12.1. Project: Centre for Sustainable Active Materials and Civic Development (SAMAC)

Programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON); Competition: [SEP-211285806] — Twinning HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01

Type of action: HORIZON-CSA (Coordination and Support Actions HORIZON)

Type of grant agreement (MGA): HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]

Participants: National Technical University ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’ – Ukraine; Cardiff University (CU) – United Kingdom; University of Alicante (UA) – Spain.

The project encompasses a unique combination of scientific innovation, institutional transformation and pressing societal needs by combining cutting-edge materials science with locally available bioresources to develop sustainable controlled-release systems. The project envisages the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Active Materials and Civic Development (SAMAC) at the National Technical University ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’ (NTU ‘KhPI’) as a hub for enhancing scientific excellence, structured knowledge transfer and long-term integration into the European Research Area. SAMAC will function as an interdisciplinary hub, combining cutting-edge materials science, innovative potential and the principles of a civic mission, ensuring the co-creation of sustainable solutions with the participation of academic, industrial and societal stakeholders.

The scientific concept is based on combining state-of-the-art matrix design with the use of bioresources such as propolis, beeswax and humic substances, to create hydrophilic, hydrophobic and bilayer controlled-release systems with steady-state, pulsed or programmable release profiles. Proof-of-concept research will establish validated relationships between composition, structure, release kinetics and biological properties, including systems sensitive to external stimuli, thereby creating a methodological foundation for further research and innovation in the fields of food preservation, antimicrobial coatings and wound-healing materials. This is particularly relevant in the context of disrupted supply chains, where sustainable and locally adapted solutions are needed. By harnessing Ukraine’s significant agricultural and beekeeping potential, the project transforms regional bioresources into high-value scientific and technological solutions of European and global significance, fully aligning with the priorities of the Green Deal, the circular bioeconomy and sustainable development.у.

The overall objective is to strengthen the scientific excellence and institutional capacity of the National Technical University ‘KhPI’ through joint research, structured mobility, in-depth training, improving research management systems and long-term cooperation with leading European partners, which will help to expand participation in the Horizon Europe programme and ensure a lasting impact after the project’s completion.

12.2. Project: Transforming neighbourhoods into drivers of development (POLISFORMA)

Programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON); Competition: IA: HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-PARTICIPATION-02

POLISFORMA — Innovative spatial design for the transformation of neighbourhoods — stems from a structural paradox: despite Europe being a leader in research and innovation, spatial transformations in everyday urban neighbourhoods remain fragmented, sporadic and poorly linked to knowledge-generation processes. The project aims to bridge this gap by developing a pan-European ecosystem model aligned with the New European Bauhaus initiative, reimagining spatial design as a knowledge-based, transformative and co-creative process, rather than as a static design outcome.

Architectural and urban design are systematically integrated with social, environmental and cultural dimensions into a single, coherent and scalable framework, ensuring the effective implementation and transferability of solutions to various European contexts. Universities act as system-forming civic centres of knowledge, bringing together local authorities, neighbourhood laboratories, design practices, civil society and subject-matter experts into a sustainable ecosystem of transformation that supports evidence-based decision-making and ensures long-term territorial impact. Within this ecosystem, students and young professionals participate in real-world processes of urban neighbourhood transformation, developing competencies, a sense of place (local identity) and long-term accountability, thereby becoming future agents of change capable of combining design, research and social transformation. Thanks to the integrated structure of its work packages, POLISFORMA delivers methodological innovation, real-world validation, continuous learning, and opportunities to scale up and replicate results across Europe. POLISFORMA comprises the following components:

1. Objectives and Ambitions: general and specific objectives; ambitions and level of maturity; measurability and feasibility.

2. Methodology: conceptual framework; methodological approach; action development cycle; hybrid human-artificial intelligence for collective understanding; transition from local demonstration to scaled-up knowledge; methodological robustness and feasibility.

3. Key challenges and gaps addressed: performance metrics versus capacity building; fragmentation of sectoral interventions; spatial design as an outcome rather than a process; standardisation at the expense of diversity; limited integration of the social sciences and humanities (SSH) into spatial innovation; weak link between demonstration and learning continuity; technology as a driver rather than a tool for meaning; limited replicability without loss of context..

4. Interdisciplinarity and integration of expertise: spatial design and architecture; social sciences and humanities (SSH); ecology and environmental sciences; economics and innovation studies; management and policy expertise; digital and data sciences; mechanisms and added value of integration; international and European added value; added value for European research and innovation.

5. The gender dimension: gender in the formulation of research questions and conceptual design; gender in methodology and co-creation; gender balance and capacity building; contributions to equality objectives.

6. Open science practices: open and collaborative knowledge production; data management and the FAIR principles; reproducibility and transparency; engagement of knowledge stakeholders..