On 15 June 2022, the International Science Council (ISC) together with Kristiana University College, Science for Ukraine, and All European Academies (ALLEA) held the Conference on the Ukraine Crisis: Responses from the European Higher Education and Research Sectors, bringing together nearly 150 stakeholders across Europe. At the time, it was nearly 5 months since the war broke out in February 2022, which forcibly displaced millions of Ukrainians, including some 8 million seeking refuge outside the country, with another 7.7 million internally displaced. The war has continued with a devastating impact on Ukraine, including the targeted destruction of higher education and research institutions, creating unstable conditions for ongoing work or learning, and threatening the lives of academics, scientists, researchers, and students alongside the other residents of Ukraine.
Conference aims
This second conference aims to follow-up on the discussions and recommendations of the initial conference by continuing to bring attention and urgency to the situation in Ukraine, specifically its impact relating to academia and scientific research one year into the war. The conference aims to mobilize the scientific community to critically examine the surge of protection and support efforts during the past year and assess ways forward for enhanced support and post-conflict reconstruction. The war in Ukraine highlights the global implications and consequences which result when there are wholescale attacks on higher education and science systems – the science sector needs to play an active role during times of crisis in order to better prepare, protect, respond and rebuild. There is a need for on-going coordination of programs, policies, and advocacy.
Objectives
- To understand the impact of the war.
- To review support provided to Ukrainian researchers, science systems, and higher education and research institutions in Ukraine one year into the crisis.
- To bring continued awareness, advocacy and support for the Ukrainian higher education, research and science sectors with a medium to long term focus on maintaining the higher education and science sectors during the war and post-conflict rebuilding.
- To explore the potential and strategic role of science stakeholders to develop comprehensive and coordinated policy responses regarding the preparation, protection and rebuilding (2PR) of science systems from crises to be more resilient.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
For the 2nd Conference on the Ukraine crisis:
One year into the Ukraine war: exploring the impact on the science sector and support initiatives
Monday 20 March | 09:00 – 15:00 CET
Tuesday 21 March | 14:00 – 17:00 CET
Wednesday 22 March | 14:00 – 17:00 CET
