Paderborn University strongly condemns the attack of Putin's government on Ukraine. We are very concerned about the citizens of Ukraine affected by the war, the researchers and students there. We stand in solidarity with the students and employees of our university who fear for the lives of relatives, friends and colleagues in Ukraine.
Employees of Paderborn University organize donation campaign for Ukraine
The support for the people affected by the war in Ukraine is great. Students and employees of Paderborn University also want to express their solidarity and help those in need. Therefore, Dr. Anatolii Andreiev and Dr. Olexandre Grydin from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – both originating from Ukraine – coordinate offers of help and call for donations.
Main sources of information and contacts
Some research organisations have already launched special programmes and others are currently being prepared. The most comprehensive overview of support programmes for Ukrainian students and researchers can currently be found on the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD web page (German: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). The DAAD also provides links to programmes offered by other organisations. On the web page of the city of Paderborn information about donations can be found (in German only). On the web page of our colleague Dr. Anatolii Andreiev information about donations can also be found (in German only). Persons who would like to offer housing for refugees or are looking for housing for refugees can also find the relevant information and contact persons on the web pages mentioned above.
Further information about support for Ukrainian students and academics can be found on the website of the International Office (in German only).
You can also contact refugee coordinator Frederike Kallmeyer (Phone: +49 5251-60-2381, E-Mail: ukraine@zv.uni-paderborn.de).
Joint declaration by the state and universities in North Rhine-Westphalia
Solidarity with Ukraine – Scientific relations with Russia suspended until further notice / Minister Pfeiffer-Poensgen: Freedom and peace are indispensable prerequisites for scientific exchange
The Ministry of Culture and Science met today, March 2, with representatives of universities and other scientific institutions, students, university hospitals and student unions to discuss the current situation surrounding Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine and its impact on science and research.
All parties involved have agreed on a joint declaration: The universities in the state as well as the non-university research institutions in the state are called upon to critically examine existing scientific cooperation and relations with Russia and Russian institutions and to let them rest until further notice. The decision is in line with statements by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Alliance of Science Organizations, among others.
"The Russian attack on Ukraine is a profound rupture in Europe. This blatant breach of international law cannot be justified by anything. Freedom and peace are indispensable prerequisites for scientific exchange and cooperation. Together with representatives of the higher education sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, we have therefore agreed today to suspend scientific activities and cooperation with Russian institutions. We all regret this step very much - but it is currently without any real alternative", says Science Minister Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen.
The Ministry of Culture and Science, the chairpersons of the state rectors' conferences of the universities, universities of applied sciences (HAW), and colleges of art and music, representatives of the chancellors' conferences of the universities, HAWs, and colleges of art and music, the spokespersons of the deans of the medical faculties, the representatives of the university hospitals, the board of the Johannes Rau Research Association, the spokespersons of the student unions, as well as the coordination of the State Students' Meeting jointly adopted the following statement:
"The Russian attack on Ukraine, which is contrary to international law, shocks us and leaves us stunned, but not speechless. Our thoughts are with the affected people in Ukraine. They have our solidarity, our assistance and our support. We think of all those who fear for their family, friends and homeland. Among them are our fellow students, our colleagues. The scientific community in Ukraine has been severely affected, many students and scientists are in danger of their lives or are on the run. Together, we want to maintain the valuable exchange in art and science with Ukraine as best we can. Students and scientists should know that they are always welcome here in North Rhine-Westphalia.
North Rhine-Westphalia's scientific exchange with Russia has been valuable and enriching over many years. The war started by Russian President Putin cannot remain without consequences.
The universities in the state as well as the non-university research institutions of the state are called upon to critically examine existing scientific cooperations and relations with Russia and Russian institutions and to let them rest until further notice.
New projects will not be started at the present time. This step is necessary and yet difficult. We know about those Russians – in Russia as well as here in Germany – who do not support the war against Ukraine started by the Russian president. Our sympathy and respect goes to them and especially to those students and scientists who have courageously spoken out against the war."
Paderborn University emphatically endorses the statement of the Ministry. Prof. Dr. Birgitt Riegraf, President: "The attack of Putin's government on Ukraine in violation of international law is shocking and cannot be justified by anything! We are very worried about the inhabitants affected by the war. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the affected scientists and students."
Further information
