Science in times of crisis 

Background  

Science in Times of Crisis is an ISC-led collaborative project which mobilizes Members and other ISC partners to respond to support colleagues affected by crises around the world, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.  

Activities and impact

Supporting at-risk and displaced Palestinian scientists

• July 2024: The ISC has been deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis and devastation in Gaza and the continuing risks faced by scientists in the West Bank. These helpful resources were put together to support scientists, academics and scholars who have been displaced and remain at risk through the ongoing conflict.

Supporting at-risk and displaced Sudanese scientists

• August 2024: In light of the continued escalation of violence and risks faced by scientists in Sudan, the ISC has compiled information on available resources to support scientists, academics and scholars who have been displaced and remain at risk through the ongoing conflict.

Responding to the war in Ukraine 

• February 2022: The ISC published a Statement on the war in Ukraine and began working with Members and partners to mobilize support for Ukraine’s scientific community. 
• 2022: The ISC and All European Academies (ALLEA) launched the Ukraine Science Stakeholders group, which meets monthly to coordinate the science community’s response to the Ukraine crisis. The group connects science stakeholders in Ukraine and around the world, including NGOs, science academies and disciplinary bodies, governments, UN agencies and the private sector. 
• June 2022: The ISC and partners ALLEA, Kristiania University College and Science for Ukraine hosted the ‘Conference on the Ukraine Crisis: Responses from the European Higher Education and Research Sectors’. The conference included more than 150 participants, who contributed to seven key recommendations.  
• March 2023: A follow-up conference organized in collaboration with ALLEA brought together more than 530 participants from around the world, and included sessions hosted by Science Europe, the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, The Council of Young Scientists, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Watch the conference presentations and read the conference report. 

Supporting the scientific community in Afghanistan 

• December 2022: The ISC released a statement on the exclusion of women from university education in Afghanistan, which urged Afghan authorities to reverse their decision.  
• The ISC’s action and support page includes resources and opportunities for the scientific community in Afghanistan. 

Protecting science in times of crisis

This working paper addresses the urgent need for a new and proactive approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises.

Download

Next steps

The project team is looking into producing several policy briefs and holding a discussion on how scientific publications can better support researchers affected by crises.

The ISC Members are invited to reach out to get invovled.

Resources

news

12 August 2024 – 9 min read

Supporting at-risk and displaced Sudanese scientists: offers of assistance, news and resources 

Learn more Learn more about Supporting at-risk and displaced Sudanese scientists: offers of assistance, news and resources 

news

29 July 2024 – 10 min read

Supporting at-risk and displaced Palestinian scientists: offers of assistance, news and resources

Learn more Learn more about Supporting at-risk and displaced Palestinian scientists: offers of assistance, news and resources

statements

24 January 2023 – 8 min read

Afghanistan: Statements, offers of assistance and resources

Learn more Learn more about Afghanistan: Statements, offers of assistance and resources

news

24 February 2023 – 35 min read

Ukraine: Statements, offers of assistance and resources

Learn more Learn more about Ukraine: Statements, offers of assistance and resources

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