On the state of Ukrainian science under conditions of full-scale war, key challenges for scientists, changes in research priorities, and the role of international support, spoke the advisor to the president of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), Professor Jerzy Duszyński, and the director of the PAN Representation in Kyiv, Mateusz Białas. The interview was published on the Academia platform.
The Polish Academy of Sciences joined the support of Ukrainian scientists already in the first days after February 24, 2022. Budgetary approaches were promptly changed, employment opportunities were opened for researchers who found themselves in Poland, and later a long-term support program was deployed. With the participation of international partners, about 6 million dollars were raised: these funds were directed to the creation of research groups led by Ukrainian scientists – both in Poland and in Ukraine.
Despite the war, Ukrainian science has not stopped. Research continues even under extreme conditions: with power outages, without proper heating, with limited access to resources. The temperature in laboratories in winter often drops to 4-7 degrees. However, work does not stop.
This is evidenced, in particular, by the personal impressions of Professor Jerzy Duszyński, who since the beginning of the full-scale invasion has made 13 visits to Ukraine. During these trips, he met not only with the leadership of scientific institutions but also communicated directly with researchers on site.
The director of the PAN Representation in Kyiv, Mateusz Białas, who coordinates this cooperation locally, also emphasizes: despite funding cuts and significant staff losses – about 20% of scientists have left the country – Ukrainian science continues to work. This is the "heroism of everyday work."
Research priorities have also changed. The most resilient remain areas related to defense technologies and dual-use developments. At the same time, one of the key areas of international cooperation has become the study of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a problem that gains large-scale social significance in wartime.
Despite all difficulties, Ukrainian science retains the potential for development. Evaluation of the effectiveness of scientific institutions and determination of priorities is already underway – as a basis for future reforms. The key condition for this development, according to the interlocutors, is integration into the European research area alongside internal system transformations.
"Without science and education, there will be no modern Ukraine," emphasize all those with whom PAN representatives spoke during their visits.