Dr Vitalii Klymchuk has dedicated his career to developing mental health services and creating policies that have the potential to positively impact thousands of lives. His work in his home country of Ukraine and across the EU seeks to improve the quality, availability and accessibility of mental health services for those who need them most.

Vitalii's achievements include the development of the Ukrainian National Mental Health Strategy 2030, which was approved at a national level in 2017. Another important achievement was convincing the Ukrainian NHS and Ministry of Health to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare. 

He is currently based in the University of Luxembourg as a mental health specialist for a new project funded by the European Commission.

Vitalii said: "The Postgraduate Diploma in Global Mental Health was terrific. I did the course at home and graduated in 2023. The course has had a huge impact on my work because this kind of programme broadens your worldview and helps you to see underlying principles which can be integrated into mental health systems in other countries.

"It was a complete surprise to be nominated for the World Changing Alumni Award because my wife didn’t tell me about the application! It’s very exciting to have received this recognition and to have been selected alongside such brilliant professionals.

"I’m excited about coming to Glasgow for the first time in March 2025, when I will be there to celebrate this award. I am travelling with my wife and teenage son and we look forward to exploring the city and Scotland."

The World Changing Alumni Award is an annual University of Glasgow honour that recognises recent graduates who are making a meaningful contribution to their field.

Read more in the January 2025 Avenue magazine

First published: 17 January 2025

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