This study aimed to assess the adequacy of support mechanisms in meeting the specific needs of Ukrainian scientists. The key findings reveal a higher demand for scholarships compared to other support types, and a high demand for offers related to the social sciences and humanities. No clear preference for support based on the host country emerged. The most important motivation overall and for all types of offers was an expression of solidarity. The second important reason was the availability of dedicated funds, in particular for paid positions and scholarships.
Citation:
- Rose, Michael and Jurikova, Katarina and Pelepets, Marina and Slivko, Olga and Yereshko, Julia, Scientific Support Offers for Ukrainians: Determinants, Reasons and Consequences (January 4, 2024). Max Planck Institute for Innovation & Competition Research Paper No. 24-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4683969
Utilizing a comprehensive survey of registered potential hosts for Ukrainian scientists, this research quantified the demand for various support types, such as financial assistance, scholarships, and resource access, and explores the motivations behind these offers. During summer 2023, 2,434 offers aimed primarily at Ukrainian researchers and/or doctoral students present in the popular #ScienceForUkraine database were surveyed, with the participation rate of 21.88%.
The findings highlight the importance of flexible financial aid and a nuanced understanding of the varied needs within the scientific community. This study contributes to the academic discourse on the dynamics of academic support in geopolitical crises and underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, empathetic approach to aiding displaced
scientists.