Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the scientific community grapples with unprecedented challenges. Many researchers face displacement and resource constraints. Yet amid adversity, there is an opportunity for Ukraine to transform its scientific inf rastructure, potentially positioning itself as a key player in technological innovation. Recognizing the historical echoes of intellectual exodus underscores the delicate balance between scientific pursuit and survival. As Ukraine navigates these complexities, the restoration and preservation of its scientific foundation emerge as crucial components for national recovery and future prominence on the European technological stage.
With the onset of the current phase of the Russo-Ukrainian war, numerous accounts highlight the challenges faced by scientists who have had to relocate, often saving not only their families but also valuable specimens and scientific collections. Stories abound, such as Olga Malyuta’s evacuation of a sperm bank and Marina Shkvirya’s efforts to evacuate bears, rescued f rom circuses and illegal private zoos, to Western Ukraine and Germany. The war unquestionably poses a significant threat to natural ecosystems, inflicting extensive losses directly through combat actions and indirectly by severely disrupting existing ecosystems. This disruption leads to irreparable losses among endangered animal species. Making matters worse, many of Ukraine’s universities can only operate virtually (Suchikova and Tsybuliak 2023).
Concurrently, scientists who chose to remain in Ukraine are navigating complex conditions characterized by online work, blackouts, power outages, and the inability to conduct experiments under normal circumstances. Ornithologists, for instance, find their fields and forests littered with land mines, while those who study the Black Sea face impediments to quality monitoring. These accounts underscore the resilience and dedication of scientists working under adverse conditions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and strategic initiatives to sustain and revitalize scientific endeavors in Ukraine.