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Today, 24 February 2026, marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Using funding and sponsorship offers, particularly through the Philipp Schwartz Initiative and the EU-funded MSCA4Ukraine Programme that is being jointly implemented with Scholars at Risk Europe and the European University Association, the Humboldt Foundation provides targeted support for Ukrainian researchers who are at threat from war. As a result, since the war started, more than 350 persons have been able to continue their research work in Germany and Europe.
The individuals who have been sponsored to date are not only forging ahead with their own research, they also continue to cultivate strong ties with Ukraine and, in the process, significantly strengthen the science system there as well. For example, over 90 % of the MSCA4Ukraine fellows reported at the end of their sponsorship that they worked with more than 200 Ukrainian institutions in connection with research and teaching. Additionally, nearly half of the researchers expanded their collaborative activities to other countries as well. This shows that providing support to individuals in exile contributes to brain circulation that makes Ukrainian science more resilient and ensures its international connectedness on a long-term basis.
In addition to formal collaborations, I sought to engage with and support the Ukrainian scientific community in various ways. The ongoing war in Ukraine and my personal experiences have deeply influenced my approach to research and life.
Researchers with a wide range of specialist knowledge can be found in the global, multidisciplinary Humboldt Network. With its expertise, the nascent Ukrainian research diaspora will play an important role in Ukraine’s international networking and in rebuilding the country.
