Visit by Professor Charles Cockell of the University of Edinburgh to Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is delighted to welcome Professor Charles Cockell of the University of Edinburgh, a leading British scholar in the field of astrobiology and planetary sciences. The professor’s visit is taking place as part of the UK–UA Visiting Professors Programme, run by the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports.
During his visit, which will last until mid-June, Professor Cockell will deliver a series of lectures for students and early-career researchers at the University, provide academic guidance to Master’s and PhD students, and contribute to the development of the University’s astrobiology laboratory. Charles Cockell’s visit marks another chapter in the history of successful and meaningful cooperation between Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the University of Edinburgh within the framework of the Twinning partnership.
The lectures are delivered in an interactive format, are open to students and researchers from all disciplines and fields of study, and offer an excellent opportunity to hear a world-class scientist explain complex processes and major scientific questions in plain language.
Lecture schedule, room number, and link to join online
For reference:
Professor Charles Cockell is a British astrobiologist, Professor of Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh, and one of Europe’s leading researchers in the study of life in extreme environments and the possibility of life beyond Earth. He is also an Acting Director of the newly established Centre for Planetary Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.
The professor’s research interests span astrobiology, extreme environment microbiology, planetary sciences, the habitability of planets, and the interaction between science, society, and space technology. His research involves studying microorganisms in conditions of extremely low temperatures, high radiation, and other environments similar to those found on other planets.
In recent years, Professor Cockell has been actively collaborating with Ukrainian scientists and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. In particular, he has helped develop a new astrobiology course for TNU students and has advised Master’s and PhD students.
The UK–UA Visiting Professors Programme is an initiative of the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports, implemented in partnership with the UK–Ukraine Academic Diaspora Network. It enables Ukrainian universities to invite lecturers from leading British universities ranked in the top 250 of the QS, THE or ARWU world rankings to collaborate. The programme was created to strengthen Ukraine’s integration into the international scientific and educational community and to develop STEM education, which is vital for the country’s reconstruction, technological development, and long-term sustainability.
Under the programme, visiting professors do not work solely as lecturers. They may conduct consultations, practical sessions, open lectures, academic events, and participate in joint research. An in-person visit to a Ukrainian university is a mandatory requirement to ensure that collaboration is not limited to a remote format.
The UK–UA Visiting Professors Programme is implemented by the Fund of the President of Ukraine in partnership with the UK–Ukraine Academic Diaspora Network, JSC ‘Ukrgasbank’ (UGB), and the ‘MHP-Hromadi’ Charitable Foundation.
The Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports is a state institution that supports the systematic development of talented Ukrainians to restore and realise human potential, support scientific research, and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian education at the global level. Its areas of activity include supporting young people in education and science, participating in national and international events, awarding scholarships and prizes from the President of Ukraine, and attracting foreign lecturers and researchers to work in Ukrainian higher education and scientific institutions. The Fund coordinates state efforts to develop human capital, supports talented young people and scientific projects, and promotes international exchange to strengthen Ukrainian education.
Based on material by the Department of Communications
