This is an Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility project of Leiden University’s Faculty of Science with National University of Kyiv, National University of Lviv, Odessa National Maritime University, Odessa National University, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, The Main Astronomical Observatory, and The Institute of Radio Astronomy in Ukraine.

Types of mobility: Staff & student exchange

Project duration: 2023-2026

The future of Ukrainian astronomy

In June 2025, no less than 25 Ukrainian astronomers visited Leiden University to talk about the future of astronomy in Ukraine. The aim of the five day long mobility programme was to work together on the development of a recovery plan for Ukrainian astronomy. All 25 staff members received an Erasmus+ ICM grant for their mobility.

Read the full interview:

• Working together to rebuild Ukrainian astronomy

The Erasmus+ cooperation between Leiden University and the Ukrainian partner universities received attention in the Dutch media as well. In the well-known newspaper NRC, an article was published about the project.

Read the full news article:

• Even in times of war, Ukrainian astronomers keep looking at the skies (only available in Dutch)

Interview with coordinator Kateryna Frantseva

The organization and coordination of a partnership comprising no fewer than seven partner universities abroad, all situated in a war zone, entails significant challenges. Project coordinator Kateryna Frantseva faced these without hesitation. At the same time, she served as the leading force behind five other Erasmus+ ICM projects.

Kateryna, you have been coordinating six different Erasmus+ ICM projects with many different partner universities involved. Can you tell something about your role, your main tasks and responsibilities as project coordinator?
Over the past year I coordinated ICM projects with Armenia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Nigeria, and Ukraine. My work included managing big part of the administrative steps of each mobility, but also the academic match-making: for every incoming staff visitor together with them we identified and secured a suitable host at Leiden Observatory whose expertise aligned with their research goals. I handled planning, communication, advised on travel and accommodation, and kept close contact with both Leiden colleagues and partner universities. A large part of the role was making sure the visitors had clear goals, a productive stay, and a strong connection with the department.

Could you share a success story? What are you particularly proud of?
A good example is the Ukrainian ICM project. It was one of the most complex programmes, because we brought a full delegation of 25 Ukrainian astronomers to the Netherlands for a week-long visit. We organised a large high-level event at Leiden Observatory, visits to all astronomy and space science Dutch institutions, discussions on rebuilding Ukrainian astronomy, and a programme to help them reconnect with European networks.

In the context of the war, this visit had a special importance: it created a safe environment for focused strategic work, it strengthened institutional ties at a moment when Ukrainian universities face enormous disruption, and it helped them maintain international visibility. As a Ukrainian myself, this project also had a personal dimension, and supporting colleagues during such a difficult period carried special weight. Seeing how much the visit meant to them was one of the most meaningful outcomes of the year.

What has been particularly challenging this year?
Coordinating six partnerships at once comes with many layers. In total, I managed around 35 visitors. The Ukrainian delegation accounted for 25 people under one project, but the remaining visitors all came individually — each with a separate project, a different host, and a personalised programme.

This meant continuous communication with dozens of people, aligning their goals with available supervisors at Leiden Observatory, preparing tailored schedules, and keeping track of many parallel activities. Handling this volume of detail while ensuring that every mobility stayed meaningful and well-supported was the most demanding part of the role.

What is your vision on internationalisation in general and on the ICM programme in particular?
Internationalisation is strongest when it is based on genuine two-way collaboration. It is not only about sharing expertise with partners but also about staying open to learning from them. The Erasmus+ ICM programme is a good example of this approach. It is open to countries all over the world and creates opportunities for universities to build partnerships far beyond the usual European networks. For an institution like Leiden University, one of the leading research universities globally, ICM offers a meaningful way to both contribute knowledge and gain new perspectives from partners with different scientific environments and priorities.

Do you have any tips for future ICM coordinators?
Build strong relationships with partner contacts, communicate clearly and regularly, and stay flexible. Each mobility is different, and plans often need to shift along the way, so keeping processes simple and anticipating practical challenges early is essential. It also helps to ensure that your own department is aware of the work you are doing and actively supports it, from hosting visitors to helping integrate them into the academic environment. When coordination is grounded in trust, internal support, and clear communication, the programme runs smoothly and creates meaningful impact for everyone involved.

More Erasmus+ ICM projects from Leiden Observatory

• In Call 2022, Leiden Observatory worked together with partners in Armenia, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
• In Call 2023, apart from the cooperation with Ukraine, Leiden Observatory worked together with Georgia.