Ukraine Coalition Meeting Explores Pressing Challenges and Sets Priorities
On 9 December 2025, ALLEA joined the first technical meeting of the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine, contributing perspectives from Europe’s academies and reinforcing its ongoing support for Ukrainian researchers and institutions.
ALLEA participated in the first technical-level meeting of the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine, launched in summer 2025 by the European Commission and UNESCO, among others, to coordinate global support for Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
The meeting provided an opportunity for coalition partners to explore in depth the pressing challenges faced by researchers and innovators in Ukraine, including sustaining scientific work under wartime conditions, addressing institutional needs, and fostering brain circulation to ensure that Ukrainian talent remains connected to the national research system. Members also reviewed ongoing support actions and discussed potential next steps to strengthen collective responses.
Representing the European academies, ALLEA Director Matthias Johannsen highlighted the organisation’s longstanding commitment to supporting Ukrainian science:
“ALLEA is proud to be a member of the Coalition, representing the community of European Academies in supporting Ukrainian science and research. We are grateful to the Coalition Secretariat for the valuable insights, discussions, and strong engagement during this first technical meeting.”
Past and ongoing support
ALLEA’s support for Ukraine builds on significant past and ongoing efforts. Notably, the European Fund for Displaced Scientists (EFDS) – initiated by ALLEA thanks to a grant from the U.S. American Breakthrough Prize Foundation – has provided direct assistance to Ukrainian researchers displaced by the war, as well as those who remained in the country despite adverse conditions. In addition, ALLEA maintains close cooperation with its member, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, ensuring that Ukrainian scientific institutions remain connected to European and global research networks.
About the Coalition
The International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine brings together governments, research organisations, funding agencies, and international partners to ensure coordinated and sustained support for Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem during the war and throughout reconstruction.
ALLEA will continue to work closely with coalition partners and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to help safeguard Ukraine’s scientific capacity, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to the country’s long-term recovery and integration into the European Research Area.
ALLEA Reaffirms Solidarity with the Ukrainian Science Community After Three Years of War
Three years have passed since the beginning of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine—a period marked by atrocities against the Ukrainian people and immense challenges for its scientific community. ALLEA reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine’s scholars and scientists and with its academic institutions, especially our member, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Since the conflict began, ALLEA has taken a clear and principled stance supporting Ukraine’s academic sector, while advocating for accountability and justice within the international scientific community. In response to the crisis, we implemented the European Fund for Displaced Scientists (EFDS), which provided essential resources to Ukrainian researchers forced to flee their homes, as well as to Ukrainian scientific institutions to continue their research efforts amidst the war. Collaborative efforts, such as our conferences with the International Science Council (ISC), further provided platforms to address the ongoing challenges faced by the Ukrainian academic system and to foster global solidarity.
ALLEA remains committed to long-term initiatives like the 10-Point Action Plan to Support the Ukrainian Academic System, which outlines essential steps for preserving and rebuilding Ukraine’s scientific infrastructure. As ALLEA President Paweł Rowiński stated, “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that Ukrainian researchers are supported not only in the short term but also as part of broader efforts to sustain and rebuild their academic institutions.”
On this sombre occasion, ALLEA reaffirms its commitment to support the resilience and perseverance of Ukraine’s scientific community. We will continue to stand with Ukrainian researchers and institutions, advocating for their freedom, safety, and ability to contribute to the global scientific endeavour.
2nd Conference on the Ukraine Crisis: One Year of War in Ukraine, Exploring the Impact on the Science Sector and Supporting Initiatives
ALLEA and the International Science Council (ISC) will host the Second conference on the Ukraine crisis: One year into the Ukrainian war, exploring the impact on the science sector and supporting initiatives on 20-22 March. This event is a follow-up to the first conference, which took place in June 2022.
