Ukrainian Science: Grassroots Organizations Leading the Way
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to unfold, the impact on science and research in Ukraine has been profound. University buildings in Kharkiv and other cities have been damaged, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and support within the scientific community. In response to these challenges, grassroots organizations have emerged as key players in the efforts to preserve and rebuild Ukrainian science.
One such organization, Science at Risk, was founded by Yulia Bezvershenko, Kyrylo Beskorovainyi, Daria Kuzyava, and Yuriy Khalavka in the wake of the conflict. Recognizing the lack of effective processes in place to protect research and scientific infrastructure, the team set out to document the damage done to Ukrainian science and explore ways to enhance responses to future crises. Through their efforts, Science at Risk has created a platform to showcase the institutions affected by the conflict, detailing the extent of the damage and the resources needed for repairs.
Documenting the Impact
The Science at Risk website serves as a repository of information on the institutions that have been affected by the conflict. From damaged buildings to the cost of repairs, the platform offers a comprehensive view of the challenges facing Ukrainian science. For example, the Institute of Mathematics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv requires 40,000,000 hryvnia for repairs following missile strikes, while the Radio Astronomy Institute in Kharkiv needs 50,000,000 hryvnia to replace and fix equipment. By highlighting these specific needs, Science at Risk aims to raise awareness and facilitate targeted support for the affected institutions.
While the goal is not to crowdfund support, but rather to provide a detailed understanding of the destruction, Science at Risk’s approach has proven effective in mobilizing assistance. By presenting concrete examples of the impact on individual researchers and institutions, the organization has been able to engage a global audience in the efforts to support Ukrainian science. Through grants and donations, Science at Risk has been able to conduct research, produce white papers, and initiate projects aimed at preserving and rebuilding science in Ukraine.
Coordinating Global Support
In the immediate aftermath of the conflict, the #ScienceForUkraine initiative emerged as a platform for researchers around the world to offer support to their Ukrainian counterparts. Sanita Reinsone, a digital-humanities researcher, launched the initiative on social media, quickly realizing the need for a more structured approach to collating and organizing the offers of assistance. The #ScienceForUkraine website was created to centralize listings, allowing volunteers to gather information and connect Ukrainian researchers with the support they needed.
The response to #ScienceForUkraine was overwhelming, with offers of support pouring in from individuals, research groups, and institutions. As the conflict continued, the nature of support evolved, with larger projects and collaborations taking shape. By establishing a global network of volunteers and coordinating efforts to assist Ukrainian scientists, #ScienceForUkraine has been able to provide valuable resources and opportunities for researchers affected by the conflict.
Building Connections and Strengthening Links
In addition to immediate support efforts, #ScienceForUkraine has focused on long-term initiatives to rebuild and enhance Ukrainian science. Through a micro travel grants program, the organization is empowering scientists working in Ukraine to attend international events and maintain connections with the global scientific community. By facilitating mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities, #ScienceForUkraine is laying the foundation for a resilient and interconnected scientific ecosystem in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the UK branch of #ScienceForUkraine, led by computer scientist Igor Potapov, has been instrumental in promoting research connections between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Through initiatives like the UK–Ukraine co-mentoring program and the UK–Ukraine Twinning scheme, Potapov and his team have facilitated collaborations and knowledge exchange between institutions in both countries. By leveraging these partnerships, #ScienceForUkraine is fostering a culture of cooperation and innovation within the scientific community.
Harnessing Global Ukrainians
As efforts to rebuild Ukrainian science continue, the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in supporting research and collaboration is becoming increasingly important. Ukrainian Science Diaspora, founded by Yevheniia Polishchuk and Igor Lyman, aims to connect displaced Ukrainian scientists with their home institutions and facilitate partnerships with researchers abroad. Through its online platform and mentoring initiatives, Ukrainian Science Diaspora is leveraging the knowledge and expertise of Ukrainian scientists around the world to contribute to the rebuilding of Ukrainian science.
By fostering connections, sharing resources, and facilitating collaborations, grassroots organizations like Science at Risk, #ScienceForUkraine, and Ukrainian Science Diaspora are playing a crucial role in preserving and advancing Ukrainian science in the face of conflict and crisis. Through their collective efforts, these organizations are not only supporting individual researchers and institutions but also laying the groundwork for a resilient and interconnected scientific community in Ukraine and beyond.