Representatives of the Government, academia and scientific support providers issued a joint statement in support of Ukrainian scientists, educators

On the initiative of the Minister of Science, Research and Innovation Helena Langšádlová, a meeting was held on 1 March 2022 between the Minister of Education Petr Gazdík, the President of the Academy of Sciences Eva Zažímalová and representatives of the Czech Rectors Conference, the Council of Universities and its student chamber, the Czech Science Foundation and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, the Association of Research Organizations, the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Minister Langšádlová.

All participants agreed on the following conclusions:

We want to inform scientists, students and educators, who are and will be among the refugees, about employment possibilities in the Czech Republic through a web portal in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

We will involve Ukrainian researchers in a wide range of projects funded by the Czech Science Foundation and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.

In view of the current aggression of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine, we recommend that Czech research institutes suspend or terminate institutional forms of cooperation with Russian or Belarusian research institutions.

On the other hand, we consider it appropriate and important to maintain some contacts on an individual basis with people in Russian or Belarusian scientific and research institutions who are unequivocally against the completely unjustifiable invasion – among other things, in an open letter. It makes sense both to support them personally and to create information connections where it is possible to build on trust and a proven working relationship. We are aware of the need to avoid the principle of collective guilt in relation to scientists, teachers and students from Russia or Belarus. These people should not be punished for the current situation solely on the basis of their nationality.

Information on specific ways to support Ukrainian scientists, educators and students will be published as soon as possible.

Follow-up statement by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic:

In connection with the war attack on Ukraine by Russia, the Czech Government has decided to stop accepting and processing applications for residence permits submitted by Russian and Belarusian nationals. Students and scientists from Russia and Belarus who already have a residence permit in the Czech Republic are not affected by this measure and can continue their studies or scientific activities.