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TNMU Delegation Participates in Vilnius Summer Academy 2026

Thanks to long-standing international cooperation and the continuous development of academic partnerships, representatives of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University participated in the prestigious Vilnius Summer Academy 2026, a 10-day international educational program organized by the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).

Representing TNMU were Professor Hanna Saturska of the Department of Public Health and Healthcare Management, together with fourth- and fifth-year medical students Sofiia Nepeliak, Olena Nosova, and Volodymyr Bobrovskyi.

The academy took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 22 to August 1, 2026, bringing together nearly 100 students from universities in Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Austria, as well as Ukrainian delegations from TNMU and the Invisible University for Ukraine.

The academic program was organized around four specialized working groups. The TNMU students joined the group dedicated to the highly relevant topic “Public Health Strategies to Increase the Resilience of Health Care Systems in Military Conflicts.” The group was jointly supervised by Professor Timo Ulrichs of Akkon University of Human Sciences, Berlin, and Professor Hanna Saturska of TNMU, who served as academic coordinators and moderators of the learning sessions.

Throughout the ten-day program, each working group held nine intensive sessions during which participants analyzed key professional challenges, exchanged experiences, and developed collaborative projects. On the final day of the academy, each group presented its findings and recommendations on strengthening healthcare systems and organizing medical services during military-political crises and armed conflicts.

In addition to the academic sessions, the program featured an extensive evening lecture series with invited speakers and faculty members. One of the highlights was a lecture delivered by Professor Hanna Saturska, who presented the realities of the war in Ukraine and its profound impact on society and the healthcare system. Her presentation generated significant interest and lively discussion among the international audience.

Professor Saturska outlined how the war has transformed public health challenges in Ukraine, focusing on the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, increasing epidemiological risks, and the urgent need to address mental health issues. She discussed the widespread prevalence of chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among both military personnel and civilians, emphasizing the importance of psychological rehabilitation and national mental health support programs. She also highlighted the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by internal displacement and international migration, as well as logistical challenges in delivering medicines to areas affected by active hostilities.

The academy’s cultural program offered participants the opportunity to explore Lithuania’s history and heritage through guided tours of Vilnius, visits to national and historical museums, and art galleries. Informal evening gatherings also fostered intercultural dialogue and strengthened friendships among students from across Europe.

Two themed events became particular highlights of the academy:

  • International Evening, during which student delegations presented their home countries and universities. The Ukrainian participants gave an engaging presentation on Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and current challenges, earning sincere admiration and support from their European peers.
  • Bunter Abend (Colorful Final Evening), held on the closing day of the academy, celebrated the knowledge, friendships, and experiences gained throughout the program. TNMU students actively participated and captivated the audience with a vibrant performance of a traditional Ukrainian folk dance, showcasing their talent, national spirit, and cultural identity.

All academic sessions and cultural activities of Vilnius Summer Academy 2026 were hosted at Vilnius University, the European Humanities University in Vilnius, and the Domus Maria conference center.

Participation in Vilnius Summer Academy 2026 marked another significant step in advancing the internationalization of TNMU, promoting the achievements of Ukrainian medical education and science on the global stage, and strengthening support for Ukraine within the European academic and student community.

The TNMU delegation expresses its sincere gratitude to the University Administration for its continued support of international cooperation and to the organizers and sponsors of Vilnius Summer Academy 2026—the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes)—for providing the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the international academic community and to represent both the University and Ukraine at such a distinguished international event.