The Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre (Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education) has extended its funding for the SUUUpoRT project at TU Bergakademie Freiberg until the end of 2024 and increased the project funds. The project name stands for "Structural Support for Ukrainian Universities in Maintaining and Rebuilding University Teaching in the Field of Resources and Technology". With this project, TU Bergakademie Freiberg is strengthening the Ukrainian higher education system.
24 online courses for students in Ukraine
In August 2023, the Innovation in Higher Education Foundation sent an important signal by increasing the funding for the SUUUpoRT project at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and extending the duration until the end of 2024. In view of the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine, the projects providing support to the country are of great importance.
The aim of the project is to bring together a continuously growing collection of teaching materials from the fields of engineering and resource science under the umbrella of the SUUUpoRT course programme, which meet the needs of Ukrainian students. This purely digital teaching offer can be used exclusively by all Ukrainian students and teachers free of charge and serves specifically to flank and expand the offers of the local higher education system.
In this way, TU Bergakademie Freiberg expressly wants to strengthen the Ukrainian higher education system and make it more attractive so that Ukrainian students remain in their country's system and a brain drain to other countries is prevented. A strong higher education system is an essential part of the infrastructure, which is elementary for reconstruction.
Goals and objectives of the SUUUpoRT project
The main objective of SUUUpoRT is to complement and expand the offer of the Ukrainian higher education system by providing all Ukrainian students and teachers with an exclusively digital course offer free of charge. In order to identify current thematic needs, the project team has maintained close contact with universities in Ukraine. In addition, thanks to funding from the Innovation in Higher Education Foundation, Ukrainian guest researchers have been and are being integrated into the project team.
The SUUUpoRT team plans to continuously expand its range of courses to meet changing needs. Already, 24 courses on resources and technology are offered, appealing to both students and teachers. Some courses allow for certificates and the accumulation of ECTS credits.
In addition to the courses, the project relies on the creation of a virtual hub that provides students with access to specific software licences and practical practice opportunities. This platform enables participants to gain practical experience with industry-standard software and prepare for real-world requirements.
The SUUUpoRT project also aims to establish long-term partnerships and cooperation with Ukrainian universities in order to strengthen the country's higher education system and retain knowledge in the country.