Dear reader,

The Humboldt Foundation condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine which is in breach of international law. “At the same time, we are relying on science and science diplomacy as instruments of trust and dialogue. It would be disastrous if we were to destroy these bridges”, said Hans-Christian Pape, President of the Humboldt Foundation. “We offer refuge and support to those persons who are committed to promoting understanding and cooperation.” Fast and flexible assistance is equally important right now, as is sending a signal to the Russian regime that we stand united with Ukraine and condemn the Russian aggression.

You likewise want to help, and your institute could take in researchers and scholars who are threatened by the war in Ukraine? Then allow us to list your contact details and concrete offers on our website. You will find links to this list with the latest offers of assistance and to information about our first package of measures in this newsletter. Also to be found in this issue are interviews with Humboldtians from Ukraine and Russia who share their personal experiences with us.

In addition, this issue presents our new AI and Us podcast, in which experts from the Humboldt Network explain important aspects of artificial intelligence. And it shows how researchers from Germany have been able to collaborate successfully with colleagues from abroad during the last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

We wish you interesting reading!