Professor Barabash, recently appointed a judge at the Constitutional Court of Ukraine by President Volodymyr Zelensky, was named an Honorary Doctor of Laws during Edge Hill’s graduation ceremonies.
A distinguished scholar with nearly 160 scientific publications to his name, he is a Member of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine and has served as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University in Kharkiv since 2010.
Professor Barabash has been instrumental in creating a thriving partnership between Edge Hill University and Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. This vital relationship was strengthened by Edge Hill’s participation in the UK-Ukraine Twin for Hope scheme, led by Universities UK (UUK) and Cormack Consultancy Group.
Funded by a £101K grant from Universities UK and the Twin Hope campaign, Edge Hill’s School of Law and Criminal Justice has worked closely with Ukrainian colleagues to co-deliver impactful projects, including a summer school, academic exchanges, joint research, an edited book and a shared postgraduate LLM programme.
Speaking on the award, Professor Barabash said: “Receiving this Honorary Doctorate from Edge Hill University is a profound honour and a deeply meaningful recognition of the work we have done to strengthen international academic collaboration.
“I am especially grateful for the partnership between Edge Hill University and Ukraine, which reflects the enduring value of education, dialogue and shared commitment in challenging times.”
The partnership has also seen staff and students from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University participate in key Edge Hill events, including a UK Parliamentary research and networking event, fostering international cooperation during an exceptionally challenging period for Ukraine.
Professor George Talbot, Acting Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University, said: “Professor Iurii Barabash’s award of an Honorary Doctorate from Edge Hill is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to international diplomacy, scholarship and the strengthening of academic and cultural ties between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
“His leadership during a period of profound challenge for Ukraine has been marked by integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to democratic values. Edge Hill is proud to honour a figure whose work exemplifies the power of education, dialogue, and global partnership.”
Concluding his acceptance speech, Professor Barabash addressed the graduating class directly:
“Graduates, your education is your shield and the law is your sword. Never forget that behind every statute and contract is a real person’s life.
“Fight fiercely for the truth, defend human rights with unwavering resolve and let this degree be just the beginning of a remarkable career.”
Professor Iurii was invited to to deliver a presentation on the development of constitutional principles for the protection of human rights during military aggression, as part of our upcoming graduation ceremony.
Find out more about the department of Law and Criminal Justice at Edge Hill University or come along to our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 15 August 2026.
July 24, 2026
