Scientists from 79 countries work at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), among them many from Ukraine and Russia. Therefore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing great concern and anxiety among the campus community. Employees fear for the safety of their families.
“ISTA is built on and committed to international cooperation and peaceful understanding. The war in Ukraine is extremely disturbing and we fully condemn it,” says ISTA president Tom Henzinger. “We are shaken by the violence and feel deeply for all members of our community who fear for the safety of their loved ones. We are also looking for ways to help.”
Within a few days ISTA funded additional ISTernships specifically for young scientists from Ukraine. Based on the agreement for the so-called ISTernships, which has already existed for several years, 22 scholarships for 3 or 6 months each were awarded. The program enables students to gain scientific experience at ISTA in the fields of biology, neuroscience, computer science, data science, physics, mathematics, and chemistry.
During their internship these young people gain valuable experience in the respective research groups, which will certainly influence their future careers.
“We want to send a strong signal of solidarity with Ukraine and with Ukrainian scientists,” explains President Tom Henzinger. “At the same time, I want to make it clear that there is absolutely no room for hate speech or any action against individuals or groups on campus, no matter what their identity or background. Our condemnation is a condemnation of the current Russian leadership.”
Currently, nine persons from Ukraine have already started their scholarships. The OeAD supports the solidarity with Ukraine and is very pleased to be able to help these activities with its services.
Here are a few words from Kyrychenko Heorhii, who has recently started his internship at ISTA: "I want to tell what my current stay in Austria and program in ISTA mean to me. When I first got here with my family, we were surrounded by support and attention. In Austria people really want to help us. They understand our situation. Then I started my internship in IST Austria, and here, again, everybody is very kind and friendly. The lab here is so modern and innovative! And along with gaining a lot of useful practical and theoretical skills that will extend my resume, I also gained new friends from all over the world!"
ISTA | Solidarity with Ukrainian researchers
