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Ukrainian scientists visit UWL to learn about health care technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 20:26 GMT by News 8000
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Ukrainian Scientists Tour University of West London to Advance Health‑Care Technology

In a spirited showcase of international collaboration, a delegation of Ukrainian researchers arrived at the University of West London (UWL) this week to gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge health‑care technology. The visit, organised in partnership with the Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom and the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, marks a significant step toward strengthening medical research ties between the two nations amid ongoing challenges in Ukraine’s healthcare sector.

Why the Trip Matters

Ukraine’s healthcare system has been strained by years of political upheaval and, more recently, the war that began in 2022. “The war has taken a toll on our infrastructure, our workforce, and our ability to provide quality care,” said Dr. Oksana Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Institute of Medical Physics, who led the delegation. “We are keen to bring back knowledge of new diagnostic tools and digital solutions that can help us rebuild and modernise our hospitals.”

UWL, known for its strong focus on digital health, artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, and telemedicine, was chosen as the partner institution for its state‑of‑the‑art research labs and its commitment to fostering international collaboration. The university’s Digital Health Hub, a centre for research on AI‑driven diagnostics, remote monitoring, and data‑analysis in clinical settings, will serve as the primary learning platform for the Ukrainian scientists.

A Day of Immersive Learning

The two‑day visit began with a welcome address by UWL Dean Dr. Laura Green, who praised the initiative and highlighted the university’s mission to “bridge the gap between academia and real‑world medical practice.” She noted that the partnership would also benefit UWL’s students, who will have the opportunity to interact with international peers and potentially join joint research projects.

In the morning, the delegation toured the UWL Simulation Centre, where advanced mannequins and augmented‑reality (AR) systems replicate patient scenarios for medical training. “Simulation is a game‑changer for education and patient safety,” explained Dr. Green. “We can now train clinicians in complex procedures without risking real patients.” Ukrainian researchers were particularly interested in the centre’s robotic‑assisted surgery modules, which combine haptic feedback and AI‑based guidance to improve surgical precision.

Next, the scientists visited the AI in Medicine Lab, where UWL researchers are developing machine‑learning algorithms that can predict disease progression and personalise treatment plans. Dr. Yevgeny Borys, lead data scientist on the team, demonstrated a prototype model that analyzes chest‑x‑ray images to detect early signs of lung fibrosis in post‑COVID‑19 patients. “This technology has potential applications in Ukraine,” Borys said. “With appropriate data, we could deploy similar systems in community clinics to triage patients more efficiently.”

Afternoons were devoted to workshops on telehealth platforms, electronic health record (EHR) integration, and data‑security protocols. The Ukrainian delegation participated in a live case study, where they used a simulated telemedicine platform to consult with a remote patient, gaining insights into the challenges of bandwidth constraints and user‑interface design.

Building the Future

One of the delegation’s key takeaways was the potential for a formal partnership between UWL and Ukraine’s National Health Service (Ukrainian NHS). “We are looking at a Memorandum of Understanding that would allow continuous exchange of expertise and data,” said Dr. Kovalenko. “Future projects could involve co‑authored papers, joint grant applications, and even co‑developed medical devices.”

UWL’s vice‑provost for research, Prof. James Patel, emphasized the university’s commitment to open science. “We are open to collaborating on open‑source AI tools that can be adapted to different healthcare systems,” he noted. “The knowledge shared today could save lives across the globe.”

A Broader Message

The visit came at a time when global attention is focused on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. It demonstrates that, even in times of conflict, scientific collaboration can persist and thrive. The delegation’s leader, Dr. Kovalenko, summed up the sentiment: “Science knows no borders. By learning from UWL’s advancements, we hope to return home with the tools and knowledge to rebuild a more resilient health system for our people.”

As the Ukrainian scientists departed UWL, they carried with them a trove of research notebooks, prototype designs, and a renewed sense of purpose. The University of West London, in turn, is already drafting a roadmap for ongoing partnership, with the first joint project slated to launch early next year. The collaboration not only promises technological exchange but also reinforces the shared belief that innovation and compassion can overcome even the most daunting challenges.