2022-04-11

Uppsala offers refuge to scholars from Ukraine

Uppsala University will award scholarships to a total value of SEK 3 million to scholars from Ukraine. The funding will provide 20 scholarships worth SEK 150,000 each, for stays of five months at Uppsala University.

“Uppsala University is firmly committed to Scholars at Risk (SAR), which gives us an opportunity to help. We are also committed to academic freedom – not just our own but globally – and its fundamental role in the development of democracy,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Rector for Humanities and Social Sciences at Uppsala University.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the question arose of what the University could do over and above its involvement in SAR.

Creating scholarship capacity

To step up support for scholars at risk, a budget has been established for scholarships for academics who have left Ukraine because of the war.

“This provides scholars from Ukraine with a start by enabling them to come to Uppsala University for a period of five months. This will give them time to apply for other funding from Swedish and European research bodies that are now channelling a lot of money to this particular group,” says Tora Holmberg.

“It’s partly about obtaining refuge, but just as much about being part of a scholarly community, being able to contribute and carry on with research.”

Scholarships are only available to individuals covered by the Temporary Protection Directive, which offers temporary protection in EU Member States to Ukrainian nationals displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022. A second requirement is that the scholar has a doctorate. Eligibility also depends on a commitment from the head of department or equivalent at the host department at Uppsala University.

Selection based on academic qualifications

Applications for scholarships can be made and approved on a continuous basis. The selection will be based on academic qualifications, the scholar’s own explanatory statement and a statement from the department. Some contacts have already been initiated, according to Tora Holmberg.

“The scholars can come via various channels, including existing collaborations and new contacts. Many people have got involved, with volunteers arranging contacts, accommodation and other practicalities.”

The scholarships are financed by Gustavianska Stiftelsen and will be disbursed by the Uppsala University Foundations Management of Estates and Funds.

Annica Hulth

How to apply?

Applications and decisions are made on a rolling basis. The application is made by the host head of department or equivalent on a special form. In addition to the form, a justification from the researcher and a description of the researcher's academic background must be attached. The department is responsible for receiving the scholar and for indirect costs. The grant can only be used for living expenses while the scholar is active at the University and for the academic year stated in the decision.

Scholars at Risk (SAR) works to promote academic freedom worldwide, notably by providing protection for scholars who cannot work in their home countries. The network consists of 500 universities in 40 countries around the world.

The Temporary Protection Directive offers temporary protection in EU Member States to Ukrainian nationals displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022. It also applies to third-country nationals who had refugee status in Ukraine before 24 February. The temporary protection runs initially for one year, until 4 March 2023.

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