Canadian government science institutions are the latest to cut ties with Russian research establishments “in [un] spirit of solidarity” with the Ukrainian people, whose students will receive a boost.
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The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said in a press release Friday morning that the measure would not apply to individuals.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the historic role played by scientists, scholars and researchers in defending freedom and fighting against tyranny. Thus, we do not prohibit on a large scale the work carried out in collaboration with individual Russian researchers.
“However, we have asked research funding bodies to apply strict measures prohibiting the funding of joint research that could favor the interests of Vladimir Putin’s regime. We have asked the National Research Council Canada to put in place similar safeguards for its own activities.”
The main research institutions under the federal umbrella are the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Ottawa is “urging” independent, but government-funded institutions to “limit their work with Russia.” Genome Canada, Brain Canada and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation are examples of this group.
A special fund for Ukrainian students
In addition, research organizations receiving federal money will create a special fund for Ukrainian students doing internships at the master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral levels.
“Ukrainians holding a grant from one of these three organizations and who are directly affected by the crisis will be able to apply for short-term supplementary financial assistance. Thus, eligible students and postdoctoral fellows who had to leave Ukraine because of the conflict, as well as those who intended to return to Ukraine in 2022, but cannot do so under the circumstances, will be able to pursue their research right here in Canada,” we say.
The number of Ukrainians fleeing the war launched by Russia just over two weeks ago has exceeded two million at the time of this writing.
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Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com