Visit of Colleagues from Kharkiv to the University of Bonn – Scientific Exchange Under Wartime Conditions

A contribution by Prof. Dr. Tim Clarner, MME, Director of the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Bonn

On October 2nd 2025, the Department of Anatomy at the University of Bonn welcomed a delegation from Kharkiv National Medical University (Ukraine):

• Prof. Denys Shyian, Professor, Department of Human Anatomy, Clinical Anatomy and Operative Surgery
• Prof. Roman Sukhonosov, associate Professor of Anatomy
• Olena Semenenko, Collection Curator, Museum of Medicine
• Dr. Alla Bondareva, Head of the Department for International Relations, Grant Activities and Assistance for Foreign Students

This visit offered a rare opportunity for scientific and personal exchange and drew attention to the difficult conditions under which our Ukrainian colleagues continue their academic work.

During the lecture session in the historic Otto Deiters Hall, the guests provided insights into their current scientific projects and described the challenges of maintaining teaching, research and museum activities during wartime. The Anatomy building in Kharkiv has suffered war-related damage, and the Museum of Medicine had to relocate to a safer site.

We were deeply impressed by the dedication, resilience and determination with which our colleagues in Kharkiv strive to uphold teaching and academic work despite these immense challenges.

A joint dinner followed, attended also by Prof. Bernd Weber, Dean of the Bonn Medical Faculty. Both sides discussed opportunities for structured cooperation and agreed to work towards signing a „Memorandum of Understanding“.

The visit sends a strong message of academic solidarity and mutual support – and is linked with the hope of a return visit to Ukraine once peaceful circumstances prevail.