The University of Notre Dame has joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, an international initiative among universities and research organizations to foster a better understanding of the Eastern European country.
At Notre Dame, the partnership will involve the exchange of experience, resources and ideas to strengthen Ukrainian studies across the university, according to a news release.
“Notre Dame is honored to join the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, standing alongside colleagues from around the world in a shared commitment to advancing scholarship that deepens our understanding of Ukraine” Michael Pippenger, vice president and associate provost for internationalization, said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to be a force for good by strengthening dialogue, resilience and global solidarity.”
The coalition was founded by Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska in 2024, two years after the Russian invasion. She spoke Sept. 24 at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City during an event held to sign memoranda of cooperation among the new coalition members.
“We are creating opportunities for the study of Ukraine worldwide in all its dimensions — not only history and culture but also digital innovation, resilience and the experience of a society defending its freedom,” she said, according to the news release.
Four other American institutions also joined the coalition during the event: Arizona State University, Columbia University, Manor College in Pennsylvania and the Shevchenko Scientific Society, a nonprofit organization based in New York.
Twenty organizations are now members of the coalition.
In South Bend, a key component of the university’s effort will be the Ukrainian Studies Hub, a 2023 initiative of the university’s Nanovic Institute for European Studies. The hub aims to bring together scholars and students in various academic fields who are focused on Ukraine.
Institute Director Clemens Sedmak said the collaboration reflects “a key part of our mission to support and enhance the level of scholarship about Ukraine — learning with and from our Ukrainian partners — across campus and around the world.”