On February 28, the ISC issued a statement, reprinted at the bottom of this article. Since then, their efforts have continued, as follows.
The ISC continues to collect statements on the conflict in Ukraine, and resources to assist our community that are available at the following link: https://council.science/current/news/statements-international-scientific-community-conflict-ukraine/
Please find below additional updates from the International Science Council and the ISC community.
1. ISC President, Peter Gluckman, article in Nature: "Together we must help refugees thrive"
For ISC Members and your networks
"Countries could coordinate to adapt current research institutes or set up new ones to incorporate refugee scientists", says ISC President, Peter Gluckman, in the latest edition of Nature. Read "Together we must help refugees thrive" article.
2. Join the launch of the Science in Exile Declaration on 20 April
For ISC Members and your networks
On 20 April 2022, the Science in Exile initiative will launch a Declaration, ‘Supporting at-risk, displaced and refugee scientists: A call to action’, which outlines key commitments necessary at global level for both immediate and long-term support and protection to scholars and scientists.
During this online event, internationally renowned advocates for science and peace, displaced scientists and organizations supporting at-risk, displaced and refugee scholars will present the Science in Exile Declaration and discuss its six Articles of Commitment.
Register here and please share with your networks: https://council.science/events/science-in-exile-declaration-launch/
###############################################################################
Paris, France
Monday 28 February 2022
The ISC expresses its deep dismay and concerns regarding the military offensives being carried out in Ukraine. This conflict has already generated a grave humanitarian crisis.
Science has proven to act as a platform for dialogue even in times of war, and therefore is a resource on which to capitalize to avoid further loss of life and disruption including that to scientific research and infrastructures. The ISC counts members in all countries involved in this conflict.
At a time when the demand and the potential for science to provide actionable knowledge to our global challenges on multiple fronts climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing inequalities are greater than ever, the current conflict in Ukraine and its consequences will hamper the power of science to solve problems when we should be harnessing it.
The ISC also warns against the severe outcomes that conflict will have on the research and academic community. Our capacity to work collaboratively on global challenges, and on cutting edge research such as Arctic and space research, is only equal to our capacity to maintain strong collaboration amidst geopolitical turmoil. Ultimately the isolation and exclusion of important scientific communities is detrimental to all.
The ISC and its partners are committed to assisting the global scientific community in welcoming and protecting scientists who have been placed at-risk or become displaced by this conflict, by providing them opportunities to continue their work.
The ISC is committed to continue advancing the equal participation and collaboration between scientists in all countries in its activities and the principle of the free and responsible practice of science which is enshrined in its statutes.