KNUTD Among 22 Global Universities at the International Staff Week at the Autonomous University of Madrid: Crisis Management Protocols, Presentation at the Higher Polytechnic School (EPS), and New Erasmus+ Partnerships

During the week of October 19, 2026, a delegation from Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), comprising Svitlana Fedorenko, Head of the International Relations Department, and Tymofii Diukariev, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department, participated in the UAM International Staff Week hosted by one of Europe’s leading higher education institutions — the Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, UAM, Spain). Held within the framework of the European Union’s Erasmus+ KA131 and KA171 grant programs, the event brought together representatives from 22 partner universities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including Germany, Italy, Greece, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Cuba.

The central theme of the meeting at the main Cantoblanco Campus in Madrid addressed one of the most pressing challenges in the modern internationalization of higher education: crisis prevention and risk management affecting participants in international mobility programs. The agenda combined institutional case presentations, bilateral negotiations, thematic working sessions, and the collaborative development of practical solutions to expand KNUTD’s presence within the European educational and research area.

Introductory Presentation of KNUTD for International Partners. To acquaint forum participants with our institution, the delegation delivered a comprehensive overview of KNUTD's history, academic structure, and achievements of KNUTD as a multidisciplinary educational, scientific, and innovation university.

Case Study on University Governance in Crisis Situations and Times of Uncertainty. During the plenary sessions, representatives of the participating universities shared real-world emergency response procedures. The presentation by the KNUTD delegation served as one of the central practical case studies of the session, with the Ukrainian team showcasing an operational model for maintaining educational and research activities under martial law and geopolitical turbulence.

Specialized Presentation of the KNUTD Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies at the UAM Higher Polytechnic School (EPS). A key highlight of the program included visits to two UAM campuses and a final working session hosted at the engineering campus — the Higher Polytechnic School (Escuela Politécnica Superior, EPS). At this venue, the KNUTD delegation delivered a targeted presentation on the capabilities of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, highlighting educational and research tracks in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer Systems and Networks.

Furthermore, KNUTD representatives contributed to developing flexible, multidisciplinary crisis response protocols (addressing challenges ranging from climate emergencies to social and geopolitical developments) and collaborated in working groups during the concluding Compilation of Best Practices session, translating the week’s insights into actionable recommendations for partner institutions.

Direct Agreements with the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). During coordination meetings with the UAM International Office and respective faculties, both sides agreed to expand bilateral academic mobility for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, as well as academic staff. Beyond physical exchanges, the parties outlined a roadmap for launching joint online guest lectures in English and coordinating interdisciplinary research across biotechnology, IT, economics, management, and the creative industries.

Networking with Over 20 Global Universities. With the UAM International Staff Week convening representatives from 22 universities across Europe and beyond, the KNUTD delegation held a series of substantive talks with prospective institutional partners during academic Speed Dating sessions and bilateral consultations. These discussions resulted in preliminary agreements to sign new Inter-Institutional Agreements under Erasmus+ KA171 and to form joint consortia for upcoming grant proposals under Erasmus+ KA2 and Horizon Europe.

The collaborative work in Madrid strengthened KNUTD’s institutional ties with international partners and marked a significant step toward ensuring safer, more inclusive, and high-quality international academic mobility. The visit's outcomes are already translating into concrete project initiatives that will open new opportunities for international internships and exchanges for KNUTD students and researchers in the upcoming academic semester.

06.11.2026