As we move into 2025, we are thrilled to announce that UKRAINETT has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming our 100th member! Since its beginning in 2022, UKRAINETT has been dedicated to fostering academic solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora in Norway. Under the leadership of Aadne Aasland, Marthe Handå Myhre, and Oleksandra Deineko from OsloMet, the network has now expanded to include 100 researchers and experts in Norway who possess a keen interest in and extensive knowledge about Ukraine.
Our members come from diverse backgrounds, including many Ukrainian researchers who have sought refuge in Norway. As a platform, UKRAINETT supports activities that address the urgent needs of Ukrainian society amidst the ongoing war. Additionally, we are committed to keeping a dialogue with and giving research-based input to Norwegian decision-makers, public administration, and civil society organisations engaged in Ukraine. Each member brings unique insights and expertise to our shared platform.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to promoting our work. Here’s to many more milestones and continued collaboration within the network!
To celebrate this achievement we have included a brief interview with one of our latest members: Inna Khovrak!
Inna Khovrak has 20 years of experience as a researcher, project coordinator, and expert in monitoring and evaluation, specializing in sustainability, social responsibility, education policy, cross-sectoral cooperation, and community development. She has authored numerous publications and held key roles in committees across Ukraine, Norway, and the EU. Inna is actively engaged in shaping education policy and advancing sustainability through international partnerships. Her work bridges academia, public policy, NGOs, and industry, driving sustainable development and fostering competence building across Europe and beyond.
Interview
- How did you first learn about UKRAINETT? I first got to know members of the UKRAINETT community in Oslo during the presentation of a new report on the reception and integration of Ukrainian refugees in Norway on 12 January 2024. The event showcased the collaborative efforts of the network and its members in addressing important societal challenges. This introduction left a strong impression on me and inspired me to learn more about UKRAINETT’s work in fostering connections and knowledge exchange.
- What inspired you to join UKRAINETT? I was inspired by UKRAINETT’s mission to connect Ukrainian professionals and scholars, creating a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange and meaningful partnerships. Having worked extensively in academic research, sustainability projects, and international collaborations, I’ve seen firsthand how strong networks can drive impactful change. Joining UKRAINETT felt like a natural extension of my commitment to fostering innovation and supporting Ukraine’s academic and professional communities, both at home and abroad.
- What types of events or initiatives would you like to see from UKRAINETT in the upcoming year? UKRAINETT has the potential to become a catalyst for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, and I believe this should be a central focus for its activities. In my experience, whether in academia, consulting, or strategic advisory, successful large-scale projects rely on partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives and expertise. I would like to see initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and foster cross-sector partnerships. Creating spaces where professionals from academia, industry, government, and civil society can come together to exchange ideas and collaborate would not only strengthen the network but also drive impactful outcomes.
- Is there a specific topic or issue you are passionate about that you would like UKRAINETT to highlight? One area I am particularly passionate about is the intersection of sustainability, social responsibility, and collaboration as key elements of societal and economic recovery. Sustainability today is not limited to environmental concerns – it’s about creating resilient systems through the cooperation of academia, businesses, governments, and communities to address shared goals. UKRAINETT has a valuable opportunity to emphasize the importance of successful cross-sector initiatives and international dialogue. By fostering these connections, the network can serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving between countries. Through such initiatives, we can advance shared goals and drive meaningful change together.
- Are there any current projects or collaborations, academic or otherwise, that you would like to share with us? I remain closely connected with the academic community in Ukraine, actively contributing through scientific consulting, collaborative research, and expert support. I truly value opportunities to share knowledge and help foster professional growth within the research ecosystem. One initiative I’m particularly involved in is the Ukrainian Science Diaspora and its mentorship program. This project connects Ukrainian researchers with experienced professionals abroad, offering guidance on integrating into the global research community, developing careers, and forming international research teams. It’s inspiring to see how this program helps build bridges between Ukrainian and international institutions, facilitating meaningful collaborations and addressing shared global challenges. I’m always open to new opportunities to collaborate, so if you’re interested, let’s connect!
- Would you like to share a Ukrainian movie, book and/or song that you think our members should look up? It’s impossible to choose just one Ukrainian movie, book, or song, because Ukrainian culture is so vibrant and diverse – it’s a reflection of our resilience and creativity. Instead, I want to share the Ukrainian Woman Project, supported by the EU’s Creative Europe program. This initiative isn’t just about art – it’s about empowering Ukrainian female artists to connect, grow, and make their voices heard worldwide. Through exhibitions, events, and educational programs, it celebrates the strength of Ukrainian creativity while fostering meaningful collaboration and cultural exchange. If you know someone who might find inspiration or opportunity in this project, I encourage you to share it.
Links:
Ukrainian Woman Project (EU’s Creative Europe program)