On 8-9 April, Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities hosted the International Student Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Approaches to European Integration: Post-Digital Innovations in Science, Education, Art, Technology and Culture’. Applicants of three (BA, MA, PhD) educational qualification levels, researchers from IUEH and the Bath Spa University (UK) took part in the conference.
The conference was opened with welcoming remarks by the university leaders, who outlined the research issues and focused on the importance of continuing and deepening the cooperation that has been ongoing since 2018. The keynote speakers at the plenary session were researchers Sarah Hayes and Petar Jandric with the topic ‘The Postdigital Researcher: Positionality and Method’.
The Rector of IUEH, Doctor of Law, Professor Vitalii Demianchuk in his welcoming speech said:
‘Today's student conference is the result of the joint work of IUEH and the Bath Spa University, which has been preparing for this event for a year. We appreciate that you stand in solidarity with us on the path to peace in Ukraine and the entire European space. Today's conference is not just an academic event. It is a space for dialogue, a space for bold ideas and intercultural interaction, where science, culture, technology and art intersect. Young people play a special role in this process - students, researchers and scientists. It is their enthusiasm, courage to think outside the box, and willingness to take responsibility for the future that is a source of hope for all of us.’
The first day of the event was dynamic and includes 6 sections were actively working, where British and Ukrainian speakers presented in-depth reports, discussed relevant topics and demonstrated a high level of preparation. The cooperation between young scientists from both countries facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experience, which is an important step in the development of the international scientific community and the implementation of the internationalisation strategy.
The second day of the event was no less active. The plenary session featured a keynote presentation on ‘Education: Integration of Peace Processes in the Context of the European Space’, presented by Doctor of Philology, Professor Nataliia Medynska and PhD in Geography, Associate Professor Oksana Yaromenko.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Doctor of Philology, Professor Nataliia Medynska noticed in her welcome speech:
‘Today we can summarise the results of the first day of the conference, which was held in an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere, on the basis of tolerance and integrity. This conference contributed to the development of science in the context of European integration vectors. The basis and content of innovative educational processes is innovative activity, the essence of which is the renewal of the pedagogical process, the introduction of post-digital technologies, new ideas into the traditional system, which provides for the highest degree of educational and scientific activity.’
In his closing remarks, Professor John Strachan, Bath Spa University, emphasised that the rich and inspiring conference made the two days together intellectually rich and deeply collaborative.
‘This event was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary thinking - exactly what is needed in a post-digital world marked by rapid change, complex challenges and an urgent need for human connection across borders, disciplines and languages. We heard bold ideas, critical reflections and new visions from both experienced scholars and student researchers. And we have witnessed the extraordinary dynamics that emerge when Ukrainian and British institutions come together - especially in the face of adversity and turmoil.’
ВThe significant results of the student conference were the preparation of catalogues of summaries of scientific researches of all conference participants in Ukrainian and English, as well as the publication of a collection of scientific abstracts of students, which was published in the repository of the Bath Spa University (UK), which can be found by link: DOI 10.17870/bathspa.28608026.
It is gratifying that young people live for the future, look to the future and make plans to solve problems in their region, country and the European space as a whole. This was demonstrated by the two days of work of the conference participants. Our joint work unites us virtually and in reality, Ukrainian and British youth, those with whom we realise our dreams together. Future conferences will only confirm the strength of Ukrainian-British scientific cooperation.
