Image: Dsit
Science minister confirms commitment to Ukrainian academics at London meeting
UK science minister Patrick Vallance reaffirmed the UK government’s support for the Ukrainian science community today, saying international collaboration was integral to scientific success.
The minister also mentioned a previous funding package from the UK government for Ukrainian researchers, at a seminar at the Royal Society.
“International collaboration is integral to success in science, driving growth and our shared security,” Vallance said.
“The seminar today is part of our plan to open up the UK science sector with meaningful partnerships, and stand in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.”
Formalising research collaboration
The seminar was for the Ukraine ministry of education and science, and Vallance was joined by the deputy minister of that department. It cemented an agreement between the two countries to collaborate on research.
Vallance said: “We are committed to working with Ukrainian experts as they rebuild and reform their research and development ecosystem.
“Sharing our best practices with overseas neighbours and supporting Ukrainian researchers will speed up innovation that can’t be developed in isolation, ultimately resulting in a more prosperous and safer world.”
The UK has given nearly £13m via the ‘Researchers at Risk’ scheme, which has given about 180 Ukraine-based researchers academic posts in the UK since Russia’s full invasion of the country over two years ago. Julian Lewis, chair of the joint Intelligence and Security Committee, had called for the scheme to be expanded to include academics at risk in other countries.
At the seminar, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Royal Society, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science also shared key information on the Research Excellence Framework.
In May, the UK government announced that it was investing £16m in innovations to support the recovery of Ukraine’s energy system.
UPDATE 18/07 — Clarified the UK investment.