Structuring Cooperation in Doctoral Research, Transferrable Skills Training, and Academic Writing instruction in Ukraine's regions (DocHub) (8 574064-EPP- 1-2016- 1-LT- EPPKA2-CBHE- SP) - Informatics direction

Goal: Project Objectives
1.To draft, agree, and adopt HEI-level Codes of Practice and state-level regulatory frameworks (MinEdu, Cabinet of Ministers, NAQAHE) for the functioning of inter-institutional cooperation in PhD training. Specifically, regulations enabling inter-HEI transfers of state funds (payments for courses, co-supervision of students from non-host HEIs), recognition of transfer credits (both domestic and international), licensing and accreditation of inter-HEI joint PhD programs are to be drafted, agreed, and adopted

2.To establish 5 regional DocHubs as national centers of excellence in PhD training; to agree their Codes of Practice; to install infrastructure for tracking enrolment, student progress, supervision, mobility, coursework, research results and publications, and to enable blended learning; to popularize these DocHubs as centers for aggregation of critical mass for teaching and research

3.To establish 5 inter-HEI subject-specific research networks (political sciences, education policy, finance, informatics, and biochemistry) that are integrated through regular seminars and co-supervision of PhD students, including using distance learning and videoconferencing. Each of the research networks is to include supervisors and PhD students from at least two Ukrainian universities and teaching/research staff from at least one EU partner and one AS institute. Within the lifetime of the project, each of these networks is expected to launch one inter-HEI joint PhD program

4.To establish infrastructure and sytems for training in advanced academic writing (customized to thematic area) in each of the DocHubs, including developed and validated curricula for blended learning (online content, learning management system, in-class equipment), and instructors trained in relevant teaching methods. Course curricula to be validated with Cambridge Advanced English testing tools, and scaled to a broad audience of researchers seeking to upgrade their writing skills (enabling international publication). The courses will be aimed at improving students' proficiency from B2 to C1 level - a niche that is not currently served by language schools in Ukraine, so given demand, the DocHub course offerings will survive the project lifetime

5.To design and pilot transferrable skills (e.g. research management, presentation, teaching skills, etc.), and speciality courses (3 for each inter-HEI subject-area group) according to EC “Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training” quality standards.

Date: 14 October 2016 - 14 October 2020