Supporting At-risk Scholars

ALLEA has a long-standing commitment to supporting scholars and scientific institutions affected by conflict, displacement, and threats to academic freedom. Working with its Member Academies and international partners, ALLEA advocates for the protection of researchers and academic institutions, helps mobilise solidarity and support, and promotes international cooperation that enables at-risk scholars to remain connected to their scientific communities.

ALLEA Contact Person

Matthias Johannsen
Senior Policy & Strategy Officer
johannsen@allea.org
+49 (0)30 206 066-501

Supporting Ukrainian Science

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ALLEA and its Member Academies have undertaken a range of activities to support Ukrainian researchers and institutions. What began primarily as an emergency response has increasingly developed into a longer-term commitment to the resilience, recovery and international integration of Ukraine’s research and innovation system.

In May 2026, the ALLEA General Assembly adopted an Appeal in Support of Ukrainian Science. It calls on academies, governments, funders and research organisations to support international research cooperation, institutional partnerships, access to scientific infrastructure, donations of research equipment, opportunities for early-career researchers and stronger networks connecting Ukrainian scientists in Ukraine and abroad.

Read the Appeal

Alongside this longer-term work, ALLEA responds to urgent requests from Ukrainian partners by sharing information on damage and concrete needs with its Member Academies and wider networks where appropriate.

European Fund for Displaced Scientists

Established by ALLEA and the Breakthrough Prize Foundation in 2022, the $1.5 million EFDS programme supported 40 displaced researchers in Europe and up to 100 researchers who continued their work at Ukrainian institutions under wartime conditions. The funding rounds closed in 2023; their legacy continues through the Alumni Network and ALLEA’s wider work.

Completed EFDS programme and results

Wider support for scholars at risk

ALLEA’s engagement extends beyond Ukraine. It supports initiatives defending academic communities under threat, including work with Scholars at Risk and the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies. Activities have included the 2021 conference Academic Freedom and Intellectual Dissent and statements supporting researchers affected by conflict and persecution.

The European Fund for Displaced Scientists (EFDS)

Immediately following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ALLEA partnered with the Breakthrough Prize Foundation to support scholars and scientific institutions impacted by the war. The programme was endowed with $1.5 million and provided funding to academic institutions in Europe to host displaced scholars. The initiative also assisted Ukrainian universities, academies, and research institutes in maintaining their operations and rebuilding their scientific facilities.

ALLEA co-signs letter by European Science Organisations

The letter is in response to some of the first actions of the newly inaugurated US President Donald J. Trump, which show a blatant disregard for the universal values and principles of science and research. Upon release the open letter was co-signed by ALLEA and its partner Academia Europaea alongside 37 other European science organisations

ALLEA Endorses Statement Calling for Action to Help Researchers in Afghanistan

ALLEA has endorsed a statement by Scholars at Risk Europe calling on European Governments and EU Institutions to help scholars, researchers, and civil society organisations in Afghanistan. The joint call urges to secure their lives and careers and proposes some concrete recommendations to take action.

The appeal has been supported by 50 higher education organisations across Europe.

Turkish academics: ALLEA supports declaration of International Human Rights Network of Academies

ALLEA fully supports the following declaration of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies, as published on 19 January 2016, on the recent developments involving Turkish academics. The original declaration of the International Human Rights Networks of Academies and Scholarly Societies can be accessed here. To download this press release please click here.

Conference On The Ukraine Crisis: Responses From The European Higher Education And Research Sectors

The conference on The Ukraine Crisis: Responses from the European Higher Education and Research Sectors, held virtually on 15 June 2022, brought together over 150 stakeholders across Europe, to reflect on assistance provided to date for academics, scientists, researchers and students who are at-risk, displaced or refugees as a result of the war in Ukraine.

One Year of War in Ukraine: Exploring the Impact on the Science Sector and Supporting Initiatives

This conference report that highlights the impact and responses to date, including a review of the recommendation put forward in the June 2022 conference.

ALLEA Signs 10-Point Action Plan to Support Ukrainian Academic System

The Action Plan takes into consideration means to maintain the Ukrainian academic system operating throughout the duration of the war, as well as provisions for the recovery of a post-war Ukraine.