A working meeting took place in New York between Prof. Yevheniia Polishchuk, Chair of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora, and representatives of Scholars at Risk (SAR), an international network dedicated to protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom worldwide.
The meeting focused on the challenges facing Ukrainian scholars amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as opportunities to strengthen international academic cooperation and support the Ukrainian research community.
During the discussion, Prof. Polishchuk presented the activities of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora, highlighting its role in connecting Ukrainian researchers worldwide, facilitating international academic partnerships, developing mentorship initiatives, and contributing to the resilience and long-term recovery of Ukraine’s research and higher education system.
Particular attention was given to maintaining connections between displaced Ukrainian scholars and their home institutions, creating opportunities for professional development, and mobilizing international academic networks to support researchers affected by the war.
One of the key topics of the meeting was the possibility of Ukrainian Science Diaspora joining the Scholars at Risk network. Potential membership could create new opportunities for institutional cooperation, knowledge exchange, participation in international initiatives, and stronger engagement with universities and academic
organizations committed to protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom.
The participants also discussed potential areas for future collaboration, including academic mentorship, institutional networking, support for scholars at risk, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the international engagement of Ukrainian researchers.
The meeting took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, providing a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, identify shared priorities, and explore further cooperation between the Ukrainian Science Diaspora and Scholars at Risk.
About Scholars at Risk: Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of higher education institutions and organizations dedicated to protecting threatened scholars, promoting academic freedom, and defending the principle that everyone should be free to think, question, and share ideas. Through academic placements, advocacy, research, and international partnerships, SAR helps scholars continue their work in safe academic environments while strengthening global solidarity within the academic community.