At Vilnius University, from June 25 to 27, 2024, the remarkable Scholars at Risk 2024 Global Congress took place, to which the Ukrainian Science Diaspora was invited.
The theme of the 2024 Global Congress, "Sustainable Knowledge: Lessons from Universities, Scholars, and Students in Exile," aimed to explore and document the experiences of current and past generations of academic communities forced into exile by political unrest, repression, disasters, and conflicts. From Afghanistan to Ukraine, Belarus to Myanmar, Turkey to Sudan, Nicaragua to Israel/Palestine, and beyond, discussions focused on how the global academic community can help more scholars and students reach safety and effectively resume their academic roles. Participants also explored how we can support institutions and systems to endure and ultimately build better, stronger, and freer higher education communities, whether in exile or upon return home.
Ukrainian researchers were represented by Dr. Zoryna Boyarska, head of the Ukrainian Branch of the Lithuanian Scientific Society (Vilnius, Lithuania). Dr. Zoryna Boyarska participated in a panel discussion focused on Ukraine. The discussion addressed the challenges faced by Ukrainian researchers both within Ukraine and abroad, including the limited ability to conduct research due to power outages caused by constant Russian attacks, the reduction of financial support, and the curtailment of non-financial support programs for Ukrainian scholars. Zoryna reminded colleagues that the war in Ukraine is ongoing and continues to have a serious impact on science and education, emphasizing that support programs are still crucial for the continued functioning of the sector. At the end of her speech, she expressed her gratitude to the global academic community for their assistance, trust, and solidarity. For reference: the Global Congresses are the largest networking events of Scholars at Risk (SAR), bringing together leading scholars, human rights advocates, students, and professionals to rethink issues of academic freedom and related values, learn from one another, and help shape the SAR agenda for the coming years.
