• £3m package to support Ukrainian researchers at risk
• Government confirms it will not fund any new collaborative projects with Russia through UK research and innovation organisations
• Measures are designed to negatively impact the Russian state without disrupting benign innovators or projects with global benefits

Ukrainian nationals involved in academic research will benefit from a £3 million package of support to continue their vital work in the UK, the UK Government has announced today [Sunday 27 March 2022].

The new Researchers at Risk Fellowship Programme will support Ukrainian researchers fleeing the conflict, as well as those already in the UK who are unable to return home.

The Fellowships will provide a salary, research and living costs for up to two years for these researchers, and will be available across all disciplines for postdoctoral researchers or those with equivalent experience, aiming to support Ukraine in preserving its research ecosystem.

As the UK continues to further isolate Putin’s Russia in light of his illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Government has also announced it is halting funding to all research programmes found to have links to Russian state and institutional collaborators, and will stop all ongoing projects where they provide a direct benefit to the Russian regime. The UK will also not fund any new collaborative projects with Russia through its research and innovation organisations.

Science Minister George Freeman said:

Science is a global force for good, and for peaceful cooperation in the face of the world’s most pressing challenges. These measures are yet another way we are standing united with Ukraine, its democratically elected government, and its brave people at this awful time.

The UK has a proud history of world class science, underpinned by a commitment to freedom and sanctuary for those fleeing tyranny. Today we are taking a stand for science as a force for good and supporting Ukrainian researchers to come the UK.

We will always support science where it is working to further international knowledge and discovery and to find solutions with global benefit, but it is only right that we take a stand against the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the deplorable Putin regime.

These measures are targeted towards the Russian state, as well as individuals and organisations with strong links to the Kremlin. A small number of other existing collaborations remain under review in order to further assess, and ensure no future payments to institutions or individuals have any way of benefitting the Russian regime.

This action is directed towards Putin’s regime, not at individual Russian researchers and students, whom in many cases may oppose the actions of the Kremlin.

Our universities are already opening their doors to Ukrainian students and we are exploring ways to enable universities in the UK to partner with Ukrainian Universities in order to teach Ukrainian students remotely who are close to graduating, supporting them to complete their studies when they need it most.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan said:

Our world leading universities have always been underpinned by the core values of freedom and liberty, which is why I know they will support us now in taking action against the Russian regime and their illegal invasion of Ukraine.

We are asking universities that have not yet done so to review any financial or academic research ties with Russia given the horrors the Kremlin is inflicting on the Ukrainian people.

All universities should always carefully consider awarding honorary degrees and we specially expect those awarded to sanctioned Russian individuals to be quickly revoked to demonstrate that we stand united with Ukraine.

Further information on the Ukrainian Researchers at Risk Fellowship scheme will be made available shortly through the British Academy.

Notes

The UK government is taking the following action:

1. All payments for projects delivered through UK public research funds with a Russian dimension have been temporarily paused. The Secretary of State has commissioned an assessment, on top of the existing and strong due diligence processes of UK public research funders to isolate and freeze activities which benefit the regime.
2. We will not fund any new collaborative projects with Russia through our research and innovation organisations.
3. We have suspended existing government to government dialogue through our science and innovation network team in Russia including their collaborative science projects.
4. here the UK is a member of multilateral organisations, we are working at pace with partners to respond appropriately – holding Russia to account for its actions while diminishing and isolating its influence.
5. We are standing up a £3m package of support for Ukrainian researchers at risk. This will be delivered through a fellowship programme that will support researchers and their families at UK research institutions. Further information will be made available by the British Academy during the next week, and enquiries can be directed to researchersatrisk@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.

A statement by the Science Minister on action being taken is available here.

Further advice on UK visas for Ukrainian citizens who are not researchers can be found here.

Animal rehoming charities were today urged to ensure any rescued animals enter the country with the necessary vaccination paperwork after an illegal movement of Ukrainian dogs was discovered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), risking the UK’s rabies-free status.

Follow-up border checks by the APHA showed a shipment of 19 animals imported by a rescue charity travelled on falsified rabies documentation. The dogs had been rehomed and fostered by families across Great Britain, but local authorities and APHA are now tracing the animals to protect public health and ensure we remain rabies free. The animals are being placed in quarantine while a further decision is made on their disease risk level.

The UK’s strict animal control strategies are central to our animal health standards which are second to none. We have long been rabies-free and wish to remain so and to protect the public from diseases and pathogens which can be brought to the UK by animals which have not received the correct health preparations to travel.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Checks have confirmed that these animals did not receive the necessary blood tests to enter the UK. We are taking quick action to limit the risk of disease spreading by quarantining all animals involved in this case until further notice. We are grateful for the cooperation of the households involved and would encourage the public to contact us with any information they may have.

Animals without the correct vaccinations pose a real disease threat to both our own beloved animals and to people whilst also impacting the rabies-free status we have held for many years.

Earlier this month, the Government confirmed new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency licence, people fleeing the country can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs fully covered.

There is a limited amount of quarantine facilities in the UK and we will prioritise those fleeing Ukraine who wish to bring their pets with them, rather than animals being brought over on a commercial basis, including rescue imports. Commercial imports, including rescue imports, must follow the usual process and ensure correct vaccination documents are in place.

Before arrival, people leaving Ukraine or their carrier should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and organise any necessary stay in quarantine which is required to complete the rabies risk management process.

If you believe you have taken in a Ukrainian pet from this charity, please contact the APHA helpline on 03000 200 301 to help ensure they can be quarantined as soon as possible.

Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy at the BHC, Fouzia Younis along with British Council’s Director Punjab Michael Houlgate attended the event and presented the awards to alumni from UK universities who have made significant business, scientific or social impact on Pakistani communities. The Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding Pakistanis who have studied in the UK and are using their education to make a positive impact in Pakistan.

They also distributed certificates to Chevening alumni who participated in the recently concluded Chevening Mentoring Scheme as mentors, helping mentees through a bespoke training programme. The scheme is designed to support women and minorities in law and entrepreneurship, helping them navigate challenges in their respective professions, particularly on gender rights and inclusion.

Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy, British High Commission, Fouzia Younis, said:

I am delighted that the alumni are using their experience from the UK to give back to society in Pakistan and transform lives. Today’s ceremony recognises their outstanding talent and contribution.

I hope more students especially girls and women will join them in the years to come, including through our flagship Chevening scheme.

The second phase of the Chevening mentoring scheme, 80% of the mentees were women, including 33% from minorities. The British High Commission has recently added journalism to the mentoring scheme to support talented female journalists.

12 finalists were selected for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22 in Pakistan from more than 1,200 applicants from around the world, for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Pakistan. Award winners for three award categories: Business and Innovation, Science and Sustainability, and Social Action will be announced at a ceremony in Lahore, and will also be broadcast online on Facebook.

The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its eighth year, international UK alumni applied from more than 140 countries, representing alumni from more than 80 per cent of all UK higher education institutions.

Director Punjab of British Council, Michael Houlgate said:

The remarkable individuals selected as finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards in Pakistan have all taken their UK education as a starting point to excel in their chosen careers and shape the world around them. This year’s finalists are testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavours, but also to the transformative impact of a UK education.