Science in Exile

The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide is at an all-time high. Among them are many scientists who are forced to interrupt or leave behind their research, often with no certainty about if or when they will be able to return home and continue their scientific work.

Science in Exile

The Science in Exile network, which was launched in June 2020, aims to gather knowledge and lay the groundwork for a cohesive and coordinated response to the challenges faced by displaced and refugee scientists by identifying and acting upon the many ways in which different types of science institutions can support scientists in exile.

‘Supporting displaced scientists is not just helping a person or their family. It’s a valuable step to support their home country in the future.’

Feras Kharrat, University of Trieste (Italy), and formerly professor at the University of Aleppo, Syria

The network was further developed through strategy workshops held in October 2020, and will continue to take shape through 2021. Science in Exile is a collaboration between The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the International Science Council under the umbrella of Science International. Science in Exile is supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).


Image: Nicole Leghissa.

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