Scheme has helped over 170 war refugee researchers to continue their work in the UK
The British Academy has enabled almost 200 Ukrainian academics to continue their work in the UK since their careers were disrupted by the Russian invasion of their country in February 2022.
A scheme established by the Academy and the Cara, the Council for At-Risk Academics, marked its one-year anniversary on 14 April. Since then, the Researchers at Risk Fellowships project has brought 177 Ukrainian academics and 200 dependents to Britain and found them host institutions where they have been able to resume their studies.
Their research has continued in a wide range of disciplines from Egyptology and Elizabethan England to diaspora engagement policies in Europe, postquantum cybersecurity, coastal erosion and biotechnology.
Ukrainian academics have been working at host institutions throughout the country, including the British Museum, the Courtauld Institute of Art, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Queens University Belfast, the University of Strathclyde, Cardiff University, Central School of Speech and Drama and Glasgow University.
‘Invaluable contributions’
The fellowships scheme is supported financially by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society. It was set up with help from various government departments, the Nuffield Foundation and the publisher Sage.
Simon Goldhill, foreign secretary for the British Academy said: “On behalf of the British Academy, I would like to thank all of those organisations and individuals who have worked so hard to make the Researchers at Risk scheme possible.”
“In just one year the scheme has helped bring a great many Ukrainian researchers, and their dependents, to the safety of the UK. It has been a privilege getting to know them and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions they are making to the UK’s higher education and research community.”
The academy said those wishing to further support this scheme should get in touch via development@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.