The Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine has precipitated a profound disruption to the nation's academic life. Across the country, laboratories stand empty, classrooms lie in ruins, and universities face the looming responsibility of educating the next generation amid relentless uncertainty. Yet Ukraine’s scholars persist— continuing to teach, conduct research, and sustain the intellectual networks that bind their communities together. Their work reflects both individual resolve and a vital investment in Ukraine’s free and flourishing future.
In its unwavering commitment to Ukraine, American Councils for International Education is implementing a new phase of the Ukrainian Displaced Scholars (UDS) Program, made possible through the generous support of Carnegie Corporation of New York. This expansion strengthens Ukrainian universities most affected by the war and provides support to qualified scholars — whether displaced, returned, or working under severe strain—through July 2027.
Sustaining Academic Excellence in Ukraine
Launched in autumn 2022, the Ukrainian Displaced Scholars Program addressed the severe damage and dislocation of Ukrainian academics whose lives and livelihood have been profoundly affected by the war.
From the outset, American Councils sought to attend to the complex and evolving needs of scholars across a wide range of disciplines and circumstances. The inaugural iteration—Visiting Fellowship Awards for Ukrainian Displaced Scholars (VFA/UDS), funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, and The Stirling Foundation—provided semester- or year-long financial support for 15 temporarily displaced fellows, enabling them to continue their research and teaching either abroad or in safer regions in Ukraine.
While international displacement was a critical consideration early on, conversations with university leaders and scholars revealed that the most urgent needs lay within Ukraine’s borders. For the 2025–2027 cycle, American Councils will expand the network of eligible universities, aiming to support up to 80 scholars facing the most urgent challenges through individual fellowships and project grants.
The UDS Program supports Ukraine’s scholars who are advancing innovations that will contribute to the country’s recovery and sustain its academic communities. As one participant reflected, “The program makes a huge contribution to supporting the country’s scientific personnel, helping preserve scientific potential and prevent brain drain.”
Inspiring Discovery, Supporting Recovery: UDS’ Role in Ukraine’s Recovery
Since the program's inception through July 2025, UDS partnered with 15 Ukrainian universities, predominantly in regions enduring daily air and missile strikes, infrastructure damage, and widespread displacement. The program also works with universities internally displaced from territories under temporary occupation—including Mariupol, Melitopol, and Berdyansk—which, despite forced relocation, remain vital centers of education, research, and community life.
To relieve the shifting needs of scholars, UDS introduced project-based grants starting in 2023, providing flexible funding for departments and scholars to support professional growth and institutional recovery. The results have been both practical and inspiring: fellows have joined international research teams on large-scale infrastructure projects, launched academic journals, created regional business accelerators, and developed mental health initiatives for students and faculty. In STEM fields, one scholar forged partnerships spanning Chile to Kazakhstan, produced publications in high-impact journals, and secured new funding for continued research.
In some cases, UDS support enabled scholars and their families to relocate. One participant shared, “The program provided an opportunity to continue teaching, research, and methodological activities—and simply survive with a child during the war.” Another noted that financial assistance served as “valuable psychological support, from the realization that you are cared for and provided with more opportunities for professional development.”
UDS funds also enabled swift crisis response. After a missile strike on the campus of Sumy State University in May 2025, American Councils mobilized Carnegie program funds to provide $25,000 in emergency response support—a rapid intervention that stabilized operations, protected university faculty, and ensured their work continued under extraordinary circumstances.
Standing with Ukraine’s Scholars
This work would not be possible without the steadfast partnership of Carnegie Corporation of New York. From the earliest days of the full-scale invasion, Carnegie demonstrated unwavering support for Ukrainian scholars and higher education—grounded in the conviction that science, education, and intellectual exchange strengthen nations. This commitment highlights the vital role of private-sector investment in advancing Ukraine’s recovery and securing a free, prosperous, and democratic future.
American Councils is proud to be part of this effort and will continue to stand alongside Ukraine’s researchers, innovators, and educators. As one UDS scholar reflected:
“My heartfelt gratitude goes to the American people and to American Councils. Knowing that this support is there inspires me every day to keep working for my university and my country.”