MERIT-Ukraine – Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Focus areas and values

MERIT-Ukraine strengthens international collaboration and supports inclusive opportunities in education. It actively involves Ukrainian students and educators, promotes diversity, equality, and equal opportunity, and employs hybrid formats to ensure accessible participation in line with the diversity management strategy of Leibniz University Hannover.

The project also aligns with the university’s climate protection concept, emphasising resource-efficient work practices, sustainable mobility, and the development of future-oriented skills in key technology fields. As a result, long-term partnerships and an active research network between Germany and Ukraine are being formed.

Project objectives and activities

The project enhances academic exchange in master’s programmes focusing on renewable energies, energy technology, and AI-driven mechatronics and robotics. Students, teaching staff, and researchers benefit from joint courses, collaborations, and exchange formats that enable practice-oriented learning in sustainable technologies. Planned activities include workshops, guest lectures, project work, and interdisciplinary offerings that foster professional skills and intercultural cooperation.

Goals and outcomes

Main objectives of the partnership

MERIT-Ukraine aims to establish a lasting and sustainable cooperation between Germany and Ukraine in renewable energy, energy technology, mechatronics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By combining the infrastructure and expertise of all participating universities, shared solutions to socially relevant challenges are developed. The project contributes to Ukraine’s reconstruction, European integration, and security while supporting continuity in education, knowledge transfer, and equal access to opportunity.
Expected results

Within the MERIT-Ukraine framework, elective courses, specialised modules, and innovative teaching formats such as capstone projects will be introduced and expanded in the master’s programmes in Energy Technology and Electrical Energy Technology at LUH, KPI, and LPNU. Another major outcome is the launch of the master’s programme AI-driven Mechatronics and Robotics at Leibniz University Hannover. In addition, the collaboration strengthens academic exchange as well as problem-solving and interdisciplinary competencies of students and teaching professionals across relevant fields.
Project actions

MERIT-Ukraine includes the joint development and adaptation of learning modules and teaching materials in English, German, and Ukrainian. In addition, project-based and interdisciplinary learning formats are introduced to foster practical and research-related skills. Mobility measures, joint seminars, symposia, and summer schools further enhance exchange among students and staff and deepen international collaboration. Shared use of educational resources and the exchange of teaching staff support the ongoing advancement of teaching and learning.

Implementation and funding

MERIT-Ukraine is jointly implemented by the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Leibniz University Hannover. Both faculties contribute technological expertise, modern research infrastructure, and didactic know-how to advance sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. Central to the project is interdisciplinary exchange among lecturers, students, and researchers across disciplines and national borders.

The project is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with resources from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. Funding runs from 2025 to 2029 as part of the programme line German-Ukrainian University Network. It lays the foundation for long-term scientific cooperation and strengthens the transfer of knowledge between Germany and Ukraine.

Coordination and partners

LUH

KPI

LPNU

Leibniz University Hannover coordinates the project and contributes its expertise in engineering and interdisciplinary research. KPI brings strengths in energy efficiency, engineering, and mechatronics, while Lviv Polytechnic National University contributes specialised knowledge in energy technologies and AI-based methods. By combining their resources, all partners work together to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.