Cambridge University has launched a package of support for students and academics displaced by the war in Ukraine, including fully-funded residential placements for more than 30 people.
Professor Stephen J Toope, vice-chancellor of the prestigious institution, said initiatives had been developed in partnership with universities in Ukraine and the Ukrainian government.
Clinical placements for medical students and help for academics still working in Ukraine are also contained within the Cambridge University Help for Ukraine scheme.
Education can be a source of light in times of darkness— Professor Kamal Munir
Prof Toope said: “Since the start of the invasion, the university has been working with education leaders in Ukraine to support academics and students whose lives have been torn apart in this humanitarian tragedy.
“From the online resources which were immediately made available to displaced Ukrainian students at the beginning of the conflict, through to the comprehensive package of support that now makes up Cambridge University Help for Ukraine, there has been an undiminished determination across our community to do everything we can, and to stand with Ukraine.”
A hardship fund is already helping affected students currently studying in Cambridge, and plans to boost the studies of evacuated Ukrainian schoolchildren are also being developed as part of the support package.
Professor Kamal Munir, pro-vice-chancellor (University Community and Engagement), said the scheme will “provide support, and safe and nurturing environments for academics, and their dependants, displaced by the conflict”.
“Education can be a source of light in times of darkness, and this programme of help will allow students and researchers to continue their vital work and one day contribute to the rebuilding of their country,” he said.
During their time in Cambridge, academics and students funded by the Cambridge University Help for Ukraine residential placements will be hosted either by individuals or by Cambridge colleges.
Oksana Hetman, president of the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, said: “Ukrainian scholars are hiding in the basements without water or food, fighting on the frontlines and often losing the closest ones due to the ongoing war.
“These are incomparable abruptions to face.
“Every student or researcher continuing their work despite the war is a win both for Ukraine and for the global academic and scientific community.”
For details, see https://www.cam.ac.uk/ukraine
