The PM has announced a series of measures to support Ukraine’s science & technology and research sectors

As part of the UK’s broader initiatives to support Ukraine’s economy and security in the face of Russian violence, the Prime Minister has announced a number of steps to support the country’s science, technology, and research sectors.

Ukraine was a regional leader in science and technology prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion.

There were about 5,000 IT enterprises and 285,000 IT professionals living in Ukraine, which contributed 4% of the nation’s GDP to the technology sector.

Unprecedented contributions from science and technology have already helped Ukraine’s war effort.

From worldwide cryptocurrency donations to businesses leveraging their platforms, like Uber and AirBnB, to aid those forced to flee violence

The industry will be essential to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and resilience. It will serve as a foundation for Ukraine’s recovery, bringing in investment, creating jobs, and advancing cutting-edge technology.

Some of the most significant technology companies in the world are headquartered in the UK, a superpower in science.

Leading UK businesses have a significant opportunity to collaborate with Ukrainian businesses, generating and maintaining jobs and investment in both of our countries for future generations.

The Prime Minister’s announcement of a package of measures made today (Tuesday, June 28) will enable Ukraine’s top researchers and tech entrepreneurs restore their nation.

The leadership and generosity of UK organizations, many of which have already provided their Ukrainian counterparts with significant help, will strengthen and sustain them.

Boris Johnson, the prime minister, said:

The savagery of Putin has forced the Ukrainian people to make enormous sacrifices. But I’m still fully committed to making sure that the UK and Ukraine prosper together in the future.

People in the UK have opened their homes and hearts to help people who are fleeing the bloodshed in Ukraine, and our top-tier research organizations, educational institutions, and tech companies have done the same.

Science and technology will be vital in helping us reconstruct the Ukrainian economy and in making sure Putin fails in Ukraine. The UK will support its Ukrainian friends at every turn.

Also, feel free to apply to come to the UK and work in a nation that values openness, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge if you are a Russian scientist or researcher who is appalled by Putin’s aggression and no longer feels secure in Russia.

With the help of the UK’s “Researchers at Risk” program, which was established in March, more than 130 Ukrainian academics will be relocated to and supported in the UK.

The initiative was initially given £3 million, and the additional £9.8 million granted today will enable it to grow dramatically to meet demand.

The Researchers at Risk program allows Ukrainian academics, whether they are escaping the crisis or are already in the UK and unable to return home, to go on with their research at UK institutions.

For up to two years, the Fellowships cover these scholars’ salaries, research expenses, and living expenses, assisting Ukraine in maintaining its research ecosystem.

They can then go back to Ukraine to assist in its reconstruction and assure its prosperity.

Serhii Shkarlet, the minister of science and education for Ukraine, stated:

The UK government’s decision to increase funding for the Researchers at Risk Fellowship Program, which has already received a $3 million aid package, is warmly appreciated.

Scientists from Ukraine who were forced to escape the country owing to Russian aggression will be able to carry on their research and exchange experiences with international colleagues thanks to help from the UK.

Support for Ukrainian universities, which will be able to collaborate with top universities in the UK thanks to the new UK twinning initiative, is also crucial.

Such a partnership, in my opinion, will considerably improve the scientific and educational cooperation between our two nations.

The Universities UK International and the Cormack Consultancy Group twinning initiative between UK and Ukrainian academic institutions will also get financial support from the UK Government.

In order to support Ukrainian institutions, students, and researchers during and after the current crisis, the project aspires to create more than 100 long-term, sustainable collaborations.

79 UK universities have already committed to the program, including the University of Edinburgh, which has partnered with the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev, and Wrexham Glyndwr University, which has partnered with the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University to deepen their already strong ties.

The type of assistance that universities will offer is specifically catered to the requirements of Ukrainian institutions.

For instance, the University of Liverpool offers free summer school spots, electronic library access, and comprehensive online learning resources in a variety of subject areas.

There are 61 additional Ukrainian universities eager to collaborate with UK institutions, and the program is attracting attention outside in Ireland, the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe.

Director of Universities UK International, Vivienne Stern MBE, stated:

We are thrilled that the government is supporting this innovative program, through which 79 UK universities have teamed up with Ukrainian universities to support their continued operations by providing remote teaching support, housing for staff and students on UK campuses, library access and equipment, and funding for ongoing research activities.

These are huge, long-term commitments, and it has been amazing and motivating to see the camaraderie between Ukrainian and UK institutions.

Finally, the Department for International Trade will step up its efforts in Ukraine under its Global Entrepreneur Programme to assist those Ukrainian Science & Tech business leaders who have been temporarily compelled to relocate activities due to the Russian invasion (GEP).

The initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs moving to the UK with temporary housing, mentorship, and links to UK business. From its center in Poland, the GEP assists business owners in Ukraine.

Since Putin began his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK government and the S&T industry have announced a number of initiatives to support Ukrainian researchers and businesspeople.

In addition to today’s expansion of the Researchers at Risk Fellowship Programme, UK Research and Innovation is giving priority to applications for Global Talent visa endorsements from researchers, technologists, and other professionals of Ukrainian descent.

The UK Government is collaborating closely with the UK IT sector to assist initiatives to aid in Ukraine’s recovery from Putin’s war and reconstruction. This involves approving the idea to conduct a conference called “Re.Build.”

The Founders Forum-organized conference will make sure the most cutting-edge technology firms from the UK and throughout the world contribute to the Ukrainian recovery effort in the most efficient way possible.