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Putin’s war in Ukraine
Since my last message, Europe has witnessed the emergence of a war in Ukraine, of tragic dimensions and where many innocent civilians have lost their lives. Even more people have undergone severe and traumatising events which will affect them for the rest of their lives.
ECNP is an apolitical, neutral organisation representing neuroscience and healthcare professionals across Europe, including both Ukraine and Russia. Yet, we have felt compelled to take the necessary steps to protect Ukrainian colleagues, meaning that Russian scientists have been told not to come to our recent Workshop for Early Career Scientists in Nice or to the School of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychopharmacology in Venice. This approach is aligned with many European universities which have instructed their employees to stop collaborations with Russia. I remain mindful though, that those Russian colleagues who strongly oppose to Putin’s warfare are not allowed to speak freely in their own country. There is no need to create more victims in this already terrifying situation.
I have also been contacted by members who have asked if ECNP could post job or intern opportunities for Ukrainian refugee neuroscientists or clinicians. FENS has a job market page where also non-members can post free of charge positions for Ukrainian scientists and students. Many European countries also have similar initiatives with job postings.
The ECNP Traumatic Stress Network, chaired by Ukrainian scientist Iryna Frankova, currently in the Netherlands, has organised a series of Hot Topic virtual meetings to address the Ukrainian crisis. You can sign up for their next meeting on Thursday 31 March at 20.00-21.00 CEST here.
Previous meetings can also be accessed:
When the ECNP Executive Committee was gathered in Nice last week, we discussed what more we could do to help as an organisation. ECNP has already donated EUR 15,000 to the Red Cross in support of their efforts to help civilian casualties and refugees in the region. But we are prepared to consider additional donations or funding of projects of relevance for the situation in Ukraine. A few ideas have already emerged, but, if you as member have any suggestions for projects or other ways whereby ECNP can help out, please do not hesitate to immediately reach out. Time is crucial now!
Gitte Moos Knudsen
ECNP President
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