EFDS Alumni Network
From emergency support to scientific recovery
The EFDS Alumni Network brings together former beneficiaries and partners of the European Fund for Displaced Scientists. Building on support provided in 2022-2023, it strengthens links between Ukrainian and European research communities and supports the resilience and international integration of Ukrainian science.
It was launched on 26 May 2026 at an ALLEA General Assembly event in Warsaw, organised with the Polish Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Building on EFDS
Through two funding lines the European Fund for Displaced Scientists supported 40 displaced researchers at 28 institutions in 12 European countries and enabled up to 100 researchers at Ukrainian institutions to continue their work. It helped sustain research, infrastructure access and international cooperation, contributing to more than 300 publications. Although the funding programme has ended, its relationships and collaborations continue through the Alumni Network.
Role of the Network
The Network draws on alumni experience of wartime disruption, international support and cross-border cooperation to:
- maintain connections among alumni and partner institutions;
- share funding, mobility, networking and professional-development opportunities;
- promote research collaboration, knowledge exchange and brain circulation;
- increase the visibility of alumni achievements and inform future support for Ukrainian science.
These activities support priorities in the ALLEA Appeal and Gdańsk Declaration. The Network complements existing initiatives and seeks cooperation with partners including the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, ALLEA Member Academies, the Ukrainian Science Diaspora Network, Coalition members among others.
Activities
ALLEA regularly circulates updates on funding, mobility and networking opportunities, developments concerning Ukrainian science, and relevant ALLEA and Coalition activities. It also works with the Ukrainian Science Diaspora Network, which has invited EFDS alumni to join its wider community.
Further activities may include online resources, virtual exchanges, alumni stories, collaboration support and annual in-person meetings, e.g., linked to future ALLEA General Assemblies.