Future fallout

R&D is vital to the long-term response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

As the number of refugees fleeing Ukraine passes 3.5 million, universities and funders across Europe have been stepping up efforts to help researchers and students displaced by the Russian invasion. Fellowship schemes have been set up in countries including France, Poland and Switzerland, and Germany is creating a “science bridge” to Ukraine that will point academics towards funding and partnerships. Meanwhile, the European Research Council last week started a push to find roles for Ukrainian researchers on ongoing projects.

But as Russia’s attack continues, the sector’s efforts are struggling to keep pace with the need for help. Anna Plater-Zyberk, head of international relations at the Polish Academy of Sciences, told Research Europe this week that universities in her country are “facing a very, very difficult challenge”, with the organisation’s budget for an initial call offering three-month stays to Ukrainian researchers used up within four days of opening.