On September 27, 2024, the Coordinator of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Portugal, Larysa Savosh, spoke in the Portuguese Parliament before members of various political parties represented in the Committee on Education and Science. She presented the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Portugal, its institutional goals, activities, and challenges, and explained how members of Parliament can assist in the legislative process to overcome some of the difficulties faced by Ukrainian researchers.
The main goal of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Portugal is to support and unite Ukrainian researchers, contributing to the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war. The diaspora's key areas of work include supporting the integration of researchers in Portugal, promoting Ukrainian science, establishing connections with the Portuguese scientific community, and fostering cooperation between Ukrainian and Portuguese universities.
Larysa Savosh highlighted the numerous challenges faced by Ukrainian researchers in Portugal. She pointed out that many of them are unable to find employment corresponding to their qualifications. The process of securing positions at Portuguese universities is extremely complicated, as participation in competitions often requires a C1 level Portuguese language certificate and certified translations of all documents. However, many documents and certificates were destroyed due to the war, making their restoration an additional obstacle. Larysa Savosh also emphasized that due to Russia’s war, Ukrainian education and science are in a catastrophic state. More than one-fifth of Ukraine’s higher education institution buildings have been destroyed, and over 170 buildings have been damaged or demolished. Many researchers have lost their jobs in Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Larysa Savosh expressed her determination to continue working on projects that will benefit both Ukraine and Portugal.
She sincerely thanked the Chair of the Committee, Dr. Manuela Tender, and other members of Parliament for their support. It was a very warm and emotional meeting, demonstrating clear solidarity with the Ukrainian scientific community and the Ukrainian people as a whole.
Larysa Savosh expressed hope for further cooperation with Portuguese researchers and members of Parliament, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukrainian science during the war.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
