We have all been shocked by the recent invasion of Ukraine and we are keen to support affected members and to mitigate the impact on both academic and student communities.
We have collated useful information and resources covering a range of topics relevant to universities.
Please get in touch if there are particular issues affecting your institution or that you would like GuildHE to raise.
Gordon McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer
Statements on Ukraine
Universities UK International (UUKi)
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Council for At-Risk Academics (cara)
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
Cyber security
Jisc has created a Security Protection Checklist for universities. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also provided guidance on security resilience.
Research collaborations suspended
Plans were announced 27 March to suspend publicly funded research and innovation collaborations with Russian universities and organisations. The Westminster government news story explains what this means in practise. UKRI has confirmed it has suspended grant payments to Russia whilst it undertakes a review of research collaborations and projects.
Russian partners
Universities UK have advised members to review current and planned activities involving Russian partners, using their guidance on Managing Risks in Internationalisation. The Department for Trade and Industry’s Export Support Team can answer questions about trading with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.
Fellowships for researchers at risk
The British Academy, UK National Academies and the Council for At-Risk Academics have announced the Researchers at Risk Fellowship Programme – a new scheme for Ukrainian researchers who are fleeing the conflict or are in the UK and unable to return.
Support
UKCISA provides information for Ukrainian nationals studying in the UK and a comprehensive guide to mental health services. Although aimed at schools, the Department of Education has created a useful blog post with help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation. Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity and has a wealth of resources for students.
Visas
The Home Office has published information on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals. UKCISA website provides detailed information about concessions for Ukrainian nationals studying in the UK and their dependants.
Travel
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office can provide travel advice by country.
Contact with Ukraine
Network operators such as BT and EE have announced they will make mobile and landline calls, texts and data to and from the region free.