The cooperation agreement was the result of not only an official dialogue, but also a deep professional understanding of the role of historical science, archival affairs and information technologies in modern society. This event is of fundamental importance for the development of educational and scientific activities of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University and the strengthening of its institutional interaction with leading institutions of the archival industry of Ukraine.

A representative delegation of the university took part in the event, which testified to the high level of academic and managerial representation of the institution. The delegation was headed by the rector of the university, corresponding member of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Olena Leonidivna Karaman. It included the First Vice-Rector, Head of the Academic Council, Academician of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Vitalii Semenovych Kurylo; Vice-Rector for scientific and pedagogical work, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Svitlana Oleksandrivna Vovk. The scientific component of the delegation was represented by the head of the Department of History and Archaeology, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Oleksandr Viktorovych Naboka, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Ihor Serhiiovych Mykhalskyi, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Nataliia Oleksandrivna Kurylo, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Nani Tamazivna Hohokhiia, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Scientific Secretary of the University Olha Andriivna Drobysheva, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Yegor Serhiiovych Brailian, as well as PhD in History and Archaeology, Senior Lecturer Yevhenia Serhiiivna Shevtsova. An important component of the delegation was also the presence of a fourth-year student of the specialty "History and Archaeology", President of the Student Government of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viktoria Makarenko, which emphasizes the continuity of academic tradition and the involvement of students in the scientific environment.

The event began with a meaningful and conceptually important meeting with the Head of the State Archival Service of Ukraine Anatolii Volodymyrovych Khromov, a historian, archivist and lawyer who personifies a new stage in the development of the archival industry.

During the conversation, he outlined the key challenges facing the system of archival institutions, in particular the need for large-scale digitization of documents, expanding access to archival resources and implementing modern information platforms. Specific digitization projects were presented, and specialized websites and digital applications that are already operating within the archival infrastructure were demonstrated. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on the critical need for highly qualified personnel, the training of which is directly related to the activities of universities. In this context, an invitation to active cooperation was made, which was supported by both parties; the rector of the university, Olena Leonidivna Karaman, presented a symbolic gift, emphasizing openness to partnership and mutual support.

The logical continuation of the visit was a meeting with the Director of the Central State Archive of the Higher Bodies of Government and Administration of Ukraine, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Larysa Leonidivna Levchenko, who conducted a meaningful and conceptually rich tour of the archive departments for the delegation. In addition, an incredible collection of documents of not only historical but also state significance was presented, including: the Act of Union, the universal of the Ukrainian Central Rada, documents of the proclamation of Ukraine's independence, the first copy of the Constitution of Ukraine of 1996, as well as other unique materials and photo documents, some of which exist in a single copy. The encounter with these sources forms a special type of historical experience, in which the document appears not as an abstract object of research, but as a carrier of state tradition and national memory.

Special emphasis was placed on the achievements of the archive in the field of digitalization. The Central State Archive of the Higher Authorities and Administration of Ukraine is one of the most productive institutions in this field, and its collections of digitized documents have received high international recognition. This proves that Ukrainian archival work is developing in line with global trends, while ensuring the preservation and popularization of Ukraine's unique documentary heritage.

The content of the signed Agreement reflects a modern vision of the integration of education, science and practice. Its subject is defined as cooperation in the field of information technology, archival work, document studies and historical research with an orientation towards the implementation of joint educational and scientific programs, conducting scientific and practical events, involving specialists in teaching and methodological work, implementing scientific and research projects, as well as developing a system of internships, advanced training and promoting the employment of graduates. Particular attention was paid to joint work on improving educational programs and practical training of higher education applicants in specialties related to history, archival and information activities, which meets the current demands of the labor market and state policy in the field of preservation of documentary heritage.

No less important are the results of this cooperation, which include expanding internship opportunities and involving archival specialists in teaching. Such interaction allows not only to improve the quality of professional training, but also to ensure its compliance with the current requirements of the labor market, especially in the field of information technologies and digital humanities. At the same time, the joint organization of conferences, seminars, round tables and the preparation of scientific publications will contribute to the formation of a single scientific space open to innovations and international cooperation.

For students majoring in "Secondary Education (History and Civic Education)" and "History and Archaeology", such cooperation is valuable primarily for the opportunity to directly work with original archival documents that form the basis of scientific knowledge. It opens up access to unique sources and modern practices for their processing, including digital technologies, which significantly expands research opportunities. At the same time, it is an environment in which the professional vision of a historian is formed, the ability to interpret a source, work with documentary heritage and integrate research results into modern scientific discourse.

As a result, the event of March 27, 2026 appears as a complex act of institutional development, combining the conclusion of a strategic Agreement, professional dialogue with leading representatives of the archival industry and direct involvement in the national documentary heritage. It testifies to the university's ability not only to respond to the challenges of the time, but also to actively shape new directions in the development of humanitarian education and science, which combine historical depth, technological innovation and social responsibility for the training of professional personnel.

Yevhenia Shevtsova, Senior Lecturer,
Department of History and Archaeology