Warwick receives solidarity award for Ukraine support

The University of Warwick has received an international award for professionalism and mercy, recognising the University’s ongoing demonstration of support for Ukraine.

Usually reserved for medical and humanitarian efforts, the Order of St Panteleimon is a prestigious Ukrainian award, which has grown into “a global symbol of solidarity”.   

The Order was presented to the University to commemorate the staff and students’ “unwavering solidarity” with Ukraine “in the defence of freedom and human dignity”.   

Warwick’s staff and student community have been involved in running specialist summer schools for Ukrainian students and have built or maintained strong relationships with Ukrainian universities, such as the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics.   

The Warwick Ukrainian Society and the Warwick-Ukraine-Belarus Hub have played a critical role in these initiatives.  

 By standing in solidarity with Ukraine, Warwick reasserts itself as a University of Sanctuary, an award the University achieved in 2017. 

It’s fantastic to see Warwick acknowledged in this way for the wide range of ways our community have been offering support

Professor Gwen van der Velden

It recognises a commitment to creating a culture of safety and supporting academics and students affected by conflict.   

 This year, the award ceremony for the Order of St Panteleimon was held in London, at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile. Guests from cultural organisations, UK charities, and the higher education community were in attendance.  

 The award was accepted on behalf of the University by Professor Gwen van der Velden, from the School for Education, Learning and Communication Sciences, together with Dr Dmytro Chumachenko, a Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Advanced Study. 

 Reflecting on the award, Professor van der Velden said: “It’s fantastic to see Warwick acknowledged in this way for the wide range of ways our community have been offering support.”  

 The University hailed the achievement as “a celebration of everyone involved… who continue to show commitment, compassion and practical support when it’s needed most.” 

 It added: “We’re honoured to receive this recognition, and we continue to stand with Ukraine.”