Durham University has welcomed academics from the Ukraine university it is twinned with for a joint research project.
The North East university was twinned with Zaporizhzhia National University in 2022.
The academics from both institutions will be working on a joint research project focusing on research capacity during conflict.
Both institutions received funding for the research from Universities UK International.
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Professor Karen O’Brien, Durham University Vice-Chancellor, said: "We’re so pleased to have been twinned with Zaporizhzhia National University and to have welcomed over 40 guests to Durham for the first time.
"We have discovered common academic interests in areas like environmental law, education practice, psychology, and post-conflict resolution.
"We have more students visiting us in the autumn and have plans to strengthen our important partnership.
"We look forward to continuing these conversations for the very long-term and very much hope we will one day be in a position to return the visit."
The delegation from the Ukrainian university is led by Professor Sergiy Kushnir.
He said: "Our twinning with Durham is important because for us it represents the support of the whole British nation, and especially Durham.
"For our researchers, students and wider staff group it represents future possibilities, provides them much-needed support and the opportunities to exchange in knowledge, experience and best practice.”
During their visit, the delegates were treated to some of the North East's most iconic sights from the Angel of the North to Durham Cathedral.
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Lesley Mavin, Mayor of Durham, said: "This visit has been very valuable in building County Durham’s relationship with Zaporizhzhia and our Ukrainian partners.
"We hope everyone enjoyed their stay in our beautiful county and we hope to welcome them back in the near future."
Later this year, Durham plans to host ten ZNU students for a period of study, further building and strengthening the partnership between the two universities.
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