Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University was represented by Iryna Myhovych, Acting Vice-Rector for Education and Research, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, and Professor.

The meeting brought together leaders of Ukrainian universities and representatives of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance to discuss changes associated with the implementation of the Law of Ukraine “On Academic Integrity” and prospects for further developing institutional mechanisms for quality assurance in education and research.

Nataliia Stukalo, Head of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, presented the strategic priorities for developing the national quality assurance system. She informed participants about the Agency’s external review and the decisions expected in autumn 2026 from the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR).Particular attention was given to the importance of international recognition of Ukraine’s quality assurance system, which would enable accreditation decisions to be included in the Database of External Quality Assurance Results (DEQAR). For Ukrainian universities, this would strengthen international confidence in their academic programmes, expand opportunities for academic cooperation, and facilitate further integration into the European Higher Education Area. Participants also discussed developing approaches to voluntary institutional and cluster accreditation, designed to streamline quality assessment procedures and strengthen the institutional accountability of higher education institutions.

Ivan Nazarov, Deputy Head of the National Agency, provided a detailed overview of the practical application of the Law of Ukraine “On Academic Integrity,” which entered into effect on 31 July 2026. Discussions focused on key legislative changes, the need to align internal university regulations with current requirements, and the establishment of effective procedures to prevent and appropriately address breaches of academic integrity. The meeting also highlighted the need for systematic training for staff responsible for promoting and safeguarding academic integrity. In this context, plans were announced for a thematic seminar and the development of a training course for representatives of higher education institutions.

For Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, academic integrity and educational quality are particularly significant. As the University works to restore its institutional capacity, address the geographical dispersion of its academic community, make extensive use of distance learning technologies, and ensure the continuity of educational and research activities, transparent rules, mutual trust, and accountability provide an essential foundation for preserving academic cohesion.Equally important is the development of an internal academic integrity framework adapted to the challenges of wartime and forced displacement. This involves updating internal regulations, strengthening the work of the University’s authorised committees, promoting responsible authorship, and ensuring the appropriate use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence technologies.

The approaches and recommendations discussed during the meeting will inform the University’s ongoing efforts to improve its internal regulatory framework, strengthen quality assurance procedures in education and research, expand international partnerships, and establish academic integrity as an integral element of institutional resilience.

Information provided by
Iryna V. Myhovych, Acting Vice-Rector for Education and Research Affairs