The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), working at the forefront of European and global science policy, is deeply shaken and appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the role of Belarus, and strongly condemns any kind of military aggression towards a sovereign, independent country and its citizens.
ESFRI stands in solidarity with the researchers and research infrastructures in Ukraine, as well as with the entire population of the country. When scientific and technological progress is used to assault the foundations of modern society, peace, security and human life, the research community cannot stand by silently.
ESFRI recognises that many researchers in Russia publicly condemn the aggression of their country, with potential risks to their professional career. Also, our researchers and RIs have fruitful and long-standing cooperation with the Russian communities, with ties which are often difficult to interrupt. Given the severity of the present situation, ESFRI nonetheless calls for Research Infrastructures and their funders to, within their capabilities and legal framework:
- aid the Ukrainian research community where possible,
- suspend until further notice any ongoing and planned engagement with entities located in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
This devastating crisis of extraordinary proportions will have profound consequences for our society. That is why ESFRI is determined to continue to take the utmost care to ensure that research communities remain a place where respect for human dignity, equality, solidarity, objectivity, honesty, freedom and fairness are guaranteed and respected.
ESFRI stands for critical questioning, pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement. Therefore, we are committed to supporting Ukrainian researchers and the research community to the best of our abilities.
We are united in calling for peace, mutual understanding and tolerance.
