A Global Response
The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) joins learned academies and educational institutions around the world in condemning the Russian drone attack on the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The strike resulted in loss of life and injury to Academy personnel and damaged the Academy's historic premises.
IFUT's statement follows those of the Royal Irish Academy and ALLEA (All European Academies), both of which have publicly condemned the attack. Their response shows how seriously the international scholarly community views assaults on institutions of knowledge.
A Pattern of Attacks
This was not an isolated incident. Earlier attacks have damaged Academy facilities and scientific centres in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine. Taken together, they point to a pattern of harm to the country's research and educational infrastructure, and to the people who work in it.
IFUT's Continued Solidarity
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, IFUT has formally and consistently expressed solidarity with all those affected by the conflict. That includes the researchers, academics and staff whose work, safety and livelihoods are now at risk. IFUT reaffirms its support for the Academy's researchers and staff.
Protecting Institutions of Learning
Universities, academies and research centres hold knowledge built up over generations and the people who advance it. Their protection is a matter of principle for the academic community everywhere. IFUT calls for the protection of institutions of learning and for an end to attacks on them.