Ukrainian science is struggling, threatening long-term economic recovery – history shows ways to support the Ukrainian scientific system

• Two of us are also co-founders of #ScienceForUkraine, a grassroots initiative that helps support Ukrainian scientists and students.
• Damage to a country’s science system – like what is happening in Ukraine – can harm economic growth for decades.

How war harms Ukrainian science

• According to a report by the Ukrainian Ministry of Science and Education, 22% of research and higher education institutions have been physically damaged in some way.
• The Ukrainian government has announced a 20% decrease in funding for academic scholarships and national research grants since the start of the war.
• Additionally, the Ukrainian Ministry of Science and Education estimates that 10% of the roughly 60,000 Ukrainian scientists have fled the country since the start of the war.

The consequences of scientific loss

• History has shown that the large relocation of scientists out of Ukraine and damage to the scientific system are likely to lead to long-term harm to Ukrainian science and hinder the country’s economic recovery after the war.
• A lack of scientists to train the next generation harmed many post-Soviet countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Active steps to support science in Ukraine

• In response, the International Science Foundation provided grants that helped the researchers continue their work and stay in science.
• A second meaningful way that organizations can support Ukrainian science is through remote research positions.
• A third means of support that scientific institutions outside of Ukraine can offer is resident research opportunities to Ukrainian scientists abroad.
• Yet history and research suggest that when organizations take steps to help a critical mass of scientists remain active, the science system can recover.