Solidarity with Ukrainian Researchers

Scientists from 79 countries work at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), among them many from Ukraine and Russia. Therefore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing great concern and anxiety among the campus community. Employees fear for the safety of their families.

“ISTA is built on and committed to international cooperation and peaceful understanding. The war in Ukraine is extremely disturbing and we fully condemn it,” says ISTA president Tom Henzinger. “We are shaken by the violence and feel deeply for all members of our community who fear for the safety of their loved ones. We are also looking for ways to help.”

As a first response to the war in Ukraine, ISTA will fund additional internships specifically for scientists from Ukraine. The program will enable students to gain scientific experience at ISTA in the fields of biology, neuroscience, computer science, data science, physics, mathematics, and chemistry.

The Institute will also donate to established aid organizations currently working to help people in Ukraine.  “We want to send a strong signal of solidarity with Ukraine and with Ukrainian scientists,” explains President Tom Henzinger. “At the same time I want to make it clear that there is absolutely no room for hate speech or any action against individuals or groups on campus, no matter what their identity or background. Our condemnation is a condemnation of the current Russian leadership.”