Support for Ukraine

In addition to the humanitarian toll of the conflict in Ukraine, the destruction has implications for the global scholarly community and academic record. 

Publishers are responding.

Here, we offer a glimpse of actions being taken coupled with relevant journal articles and other media-published perspectives relevant to academia more broadly, and suggestions for how and where to contribute to aid efforts benefiting Ukrainian academics in particular and the general population.

STM Statement of Support for the People of Ukraine

Originally published February 2022

STM stands with publishing colleagues, scientists, scholars and all people in peril in the democratic nation of Ukraine following the invasion by Russia. As organisations dedicated to the advancement of science and scholarship – humanity itself – through peaceful international collaboration, our members are appalled by the violence.

Ukrainian colleagues are in our thoughts, particularly STM member Virtus Interpress, and fellow member of the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association. Together with the IPA and other international bodies we are following developments and discussing how we can best support publishing colleagues, scientists and scholars at this time and beyond.

Our publishing community, together with the scientists and research organisations we support, is a global community; possibly one of the best and most shining examples of what happens when all people, regardless of place or politics, have the opportunity to freely pursue knowledge together. STM members are committed to preserving this ideal.

Caroline Sutton
CEO, STM

How are publishers responding?

All of our members, regardless of size, ownership structure or discipline, are deeply concerned about the crisis and what it entails for human life and the peaceful exchange of knowledge. Many have first hand knowledge of the tragedies resulting from the conflict through affected colleagues and contractors in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Publisher responses vary, yet all remain committed to the ideals of science and scholarship as a global community.

Specific actions of support being taken by our members include donations to organizations like UNICEF Ukraine Appeal and Red Cross, as well as other aid groups in Ukraine and bordering countries to support efforts to provide immediate protection and medical and emergency supplies. They are also making research freely available, many via participation in Research4Life. And still others are engaged in direct support of colleagues in the Ukraine and Russia.

 

Specific Resources being offered by Publishers

Russia’s War in Ukraine – Resources, Commentary, & Analysis – Insights – Taylor & Francis

Wider industry initiatives aimed at aiding Ukrainian researchers 

On 20 April 2022, the Science in Exile initiative will launch the Science in Exile Declaration ‘Supporting at-risk, displaced and refugee scientists: A call to action’, which outlines key commitments necessary at global level for both immediate and long-term support and protection to scholars and scientists who are at-risk, displaced or refugees, so as to build a better future for them, science and society at large.
Read more on the website of the International Science Council.

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#ScienceForUkraine was formed to “collect and disseminate information about support opportunities at the university, national, and international level for graduate students and researchers directly affiliated to an academic institution in Ukraine.” More information available – including ways to support the initiative – here.

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Research4Life’s publishing partners recently announced that no payment from institutions in the Ukraine will be required for 2022, and full access will be available for the coming calendar year. Steps to expand access to information resources for Ukraine institutions. For further details, see Research4Life’s announcement.

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