01/07/2025
Paper presentation on CIGAR Conference
On June 26, 2025, Anatoli Bourmistrov and Veronika Vakulenko presented their paper “Education Against a lack/Shadow Economy: Comparative Analysis of Norway and Ukraine” at the CIGAR Conference in Athens!
The paper, developed within the framework of the TURBO project, explores the role of higher education in addressing the challenges of the shadow economy – particularly during times of societal crisis. Drawing on examples from Norway and Ukraine, the authors argue for a more comprehensive educational approach that not only promotes legal and ethical practices but also raises awareness of the risks and realities of economic crime, including white-collar offenses.
Their research highlights the need for educational systems to prepare future managers and professionals to navigate both the visible and hidden aspects of economic life, contributing to more transparent and resilient societies.
Photo credits: Veronika Vakulenko
30/06/2025
The groups of Internally Displaced People completed the trainings
Check the news from our partners via the links below:
About the graduation in Chernivtsi read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/vypusk-vesnianoho-semestru-proiektu-turbo-v-chernivtsiakh.html
20/06/2025
Midterm meeting of the project was held in Warsaw 16-17 June 2025
On 16–17 June 2025, the TURBO project team gathered for a two-day hybrid event in Warsaw, marking the midterm milestone of the project.
The first day featured Webinar 2, titled “Social Adaptation of IDPs in Ukrainian Regions: First Results.” Partners from seven Ukrainian universities presented their early findings and experiences in supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) through education and social integration. The event included rich discussions, both in person and online, and concluded with a summary session led by IFSA.
The second day was dedicated to the TURBO Steering Committee Midterm Review, where project partners reflected on progress, evaluated outcomes, and discussed the next steps for the second half of the project.
This meeting reaffirmed the project’s commitment to building resilient higher education systems in times of crisis!
Photo was taken by TURBO team member
30/03/2025
Microcredential Programs for IDPs Launched in Ukrainian universities
The TURBO project has entered a new phase with the launch of microcredential educational programs at 7 Ukrainian partner universities aimed at supporting the retraining and social integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine.
Developed and piloted in seven regions, these programs focus on business and management skills tailored to local labor market needs. The initiative is expected to benefit over 350 IDPs during the year, equipping them with practical competencies and enhancing their employment prospects.
This milestone reflects the project’s commitment to inclusive, flexible, and regionally responsive education.
Check the news from our partners via the links below:
About the opening in Ternopil read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/v-ternopoli-tryvaie-aktyvna-faza-proiektu-turbo.html
About the opening in Kyiv read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/pochatok-aktyvnoi-roboty-z-hrupoiu-vpo-v-kyievi.html
About the opening in Chernihiv read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/vidkryttia-vesnianoho-semestru-proiektu-turbo-v-chernihovi.html
About the opening in Chernivtsi read here:
About the opening in Odessa read here:
About the opening in Lviv read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/start-vesnianoho-semestru-proiektu-turbo-u-lvovi.html
About the opening in Vinnytsia read here:
https://ifsa.com.ua/en/news/2021/vesnianyi-semestr-proiektu-turbo-startuvav-u-vinnytsi.html
01/03/2025
NRK Radio Features TURBO Project on 3rd Anniversary of the War in Ukraine
On February 24, 2025, Anatoli Bourmistrov and Veronika Vakulenko were invited to NRK Radio to present the latest results of the TURBO project. Short outline of the interview is presented below:
What is the project about?
TURBO is an Erasmus capacity-building project funded by the EU (2024-2026) aimed at supporting Ukrainian universities in addressing the challenge of internal migration. The project is a collaboration between Nord University (HHN), Kozminsky University in Poland, the International Foundation of Social Adaptation, seven Ukrainian universities, and several NGOs.
Why is it important to retrain Ukrainian refugees and IDPs?
Due to the war, thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, arriving in new communities without jobs or social networks. The project helps address this crisis by developing micro-courses tailored to local labor market demands, improving employability. Additionally, it provides psychological rehabilitation to foster a sense of security and hope for the future.
The broader impact of the project
Beyond assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine, the project highlights the evolving role of universities in addressing societal crises, such as increasing migration. It enables universities to build expertise in crisis response, particularly in facilitating the integration of migrants through education and professional training.
Progress and feedback so far
Throughout 2024, the project focused on assessing labor market needs, developing targeted courses, and ensuring quality assurance. Teaching is set to begin in February-March 2025. Since the first graduates will complete their courses in May-June 2025, it is still too early to assess employment outcomes, but results will be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs.
Nord University’s role and long-term vision
Nord University has collaborated with Ukrainian institutions since 2003 and is among Norway’s most experienced actors in understanding Ukraine’s academic and institutional landscape. This experience was instrumental in shaping the project proposal, risk assessments, and strategic planning, which were well received by the EU Commission.
The project also provides valuable insights for Norway, helping develop strategies for integrating migrants and refugees. Rather than viewing migration as a financial burden, it should be seen as an investment in human resources that contribute to local economic and social development. Given the workforce shortages in Northern Norway, such initiatives are essential for sustainable community growth.
TURBO Project Reports are published by the team💪
The TURBO project team has released its first report titled “TURBO Stakeholders: Mapping Multiple Needs and Methods of Assessment.” This comprehensive document reflects the collaborative research efforts of experts from seven Ukrainian partner universities.
The report explores the current status and urgent needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ukraine, alongside an evaluation of the capacities and challenges faced by Ukrainian universities affected by the war. It offers valuable insights and recommendations for strengthening institutional resilience and supporting vulnerable communities.
This milestone highlights the dedication of our academic partners to evidence-based solutions and inclusive recovery strategies.
Download the report via the link below:
The TURBO project team has published its second report, “The New Model of Retraining and Social Adaptation of IDPs,” presenting a forward-looking framework to support internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
Building on two decades of successful retraining programs for veterans and their families, the report introduces a flexible, region-specific model that integrates micro-credentials, socio-psychological support, and collaboration with academic and non-academic partners. The approach is designed to meet local labor market needs and ensure sustainable adaptation through diverse funding sources.
This model reflects the TURBO project’s commitment to resilience, inclusion, and innovation in higher education.
Download the report via the link below:
20/07/2024
The TURBO project continues. IFSA Submits Key Reports to Nord University
On July 15, the International Foundation for Social Adaptation (IFSA) submitted two comprehensive reports to Nord University as part of the TURBO project. These reports summarize the progress and outcomes of activities carried out by IFSA and its Ukrainian university partners.
The documentation reflects the ongoing commitment to strengthening the resilience of higher education institutions in Ukraine and highlights the collaborative efforts made under the EU-funded initiative.
Download the report via the links above!
01/07/2024
Kozminski University Empowers Ukrainian Partners on the path to internationalisation
As part of the TURBO project, Kozminski University has launched a series of workshops aimed at supporting Ukrainian universities in their journey toward internationalisation. These sessions focus on innovative management of educational programs and building more interactive, globally connected institutions.
This initiative strengthens the capacity of Ukrainian higher education institutions to adapt to international standards and enhances their role in the European academic space.
The photos were taken by Kozminski university team☺️
Check more via the link:
30/06/2024
New Equipment Delivered to Ukrainian Universities for Digital Content Creation
As part of the TURBO project, partner universities in Ukraine have received essential equipment to support the creation of high-quality digital content. This initiative aims to strengthen the digital capacity of higher education institutions and enhance their ability to respond to societal challenges through innovative teaching and learning tools.
The equipment will be used to develop educational materials, support hybrid learning environments, and foster resilience in academic delivery during crises. This marks an important step in building a more adaptive and future-ready higher education system in Ukraine.
Check more via the link:
01/06/2024
Annual UKRAINETT conference at Nord University 16-17 September 2024
Check more details about the conference below and on a separate page “Conferences”
30/03/2024
UNERA Newsletter March 2024
Produced by Nord University, this first quarterly newsletter highlights key developments in the Ukrainian-Norwegian Education and Research Alliance (UNERA), showcasing collaborative achievements and upcoming initiatives. Check the news via the link above!
18/02/2024
Launch of the TURBO project
We are happy to announce that we launched the project “The Universities’ Reaction to Big Obstructions: Building resilient higher education to respond and manage societal crises” (TURBO). The project is financed by the EU, Erasmus+. The main aim of TURBO is to increase the resilience, preparedness, and responsiveness of Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs) by building their capacities, improving competencies, and sharing experiences.
The participants of the project are Nord University (Norway), which is the main coordinator of the project, Kozminski University (Poland), International Foundation for Social Adaptation, and seven Ukrainian universities: Lviv Polytechnic National University, West Ukrainian National University, Chernivtsi National Fedkovych University, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Vinnytsia National Technical University, and South Ukrainian State Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushynsky.
The first physical meetings in frames of this project with some online participants from Poland and Ukraine on Zoom, and a thematic seminar, “The role of digitalization in training and social adaptation during the crises,” took place in February 2024 in Bodø.
The pictures are taken during the first meeting of the Steering Committee meeting on 13 February 2024.
01/02/2024
Behind the Scenes: How the Project Came to Life
Check on the official webpage of Nord University👇
Nord med krisehjelp til Ukraina – Nord Provides Emergency Aid to Ukraine
In a new EU-funded project, Nord University is helping Ukrainian universities with the necessary retraining of the country’s displaced citizens.
Nord med krisehjelp til Ukraina: News and Publications