A recent study released by UNESCO sheds light on the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine’s scientific community and infrastructure. Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, over 1,400 buildings and laboratories have been damaged or destroyed, alongside 750 pieces of scientific equipment. The cost of restoring Ukraine’s public scientific infrastructure is estimated to exceed $1.26 billion.
CHALLENGES FACED BY UKRAINIAN SCIENTISTS
The war has dealt a significant blow to Ukraine’s scientific community, with 12% of scientists and university teachers forced to emigrate or relocate internally by January 2024. Additionally, approximately 30% of Ukrainian scientists have been forced to work remotely, while another 1,518 scientists have volunteered for combat duty. These challenges have led to a drop in scientific funding and productivity, both nationally and internationally, UNESCO study.
IMPACT ON SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS
The Kharkiv region’s scientific infrastructure has been particularly hard-hit, with institutions like the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University and the O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy bearing the highest damage costs. The loss of over 750 pieces of scientific and technical equipment, including essential research tools, further compounds the challenges faced by scientific institutions.
THREATS TO NUCLEAR SAFETY
The temporary occupation of territories by Russian forces has disrupted scientific research, particularly in areas studying local biodiversity and ecology. The situation around the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants near Zaporizhzhia is of particular concern, with stolen or destroyed equipment posing a major security threat for the wider region.
REDUCTION IN FUNDING
Funding for science in Ukraine has seen a significant reduction, with gross domestic expenditure on research and development shrinking by 38.5% between 2021 and 2022. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has faced a 48% budget reduction since 2021, leading to the suspension of research programs and weakening of research groups.
IMPACT ON SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT
Over the past two years, displacements of scientists and budget cuts have affected Ukraine’s scientific output and collaboration with international partners. Publishing activity and collaboration with EU member states, Euro-Atlantic Partnership members, and countries in Africa and Asia have been notably impacted.
The road to recovery for Ukraine’s scientific community will be long and challenging, requiring significant investments and support from both domestic and international stakeholders. However, with concerted efforts, Ukraine can rebuild its scientific infrastructure and continue its valuable contributions to global research and innovation.
