Ukraine's flag raised over University of Oslo

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Anne Borg, rector at NTNU, has deceided that the university main building shall be lit in the colors of Ukraine's flag this afternoon.

- It feels unreal to witness, again, outbreak of a grand scale war in the midst of Europe. This constitutes a grave attack on democracy, and I am deeply troubled, Borg says.

The NTNU-rector sends her toughts to students and employees who have family and friends in the areas hit by war, as well as to students and collogues in Ukraine.

- It is important that we do our utmost to take care of all those who suffer the consequences of this war in one or the other way, Borg urges.

An e-mail to students from Ukraine as well as Russia, present studying at NTNU, mas sent earlier to day, providing advice and information where to get help, and someone to talk to, if needed.

At present, there are 5 employees at NTNU with Ukrainian nationality, 45 from Russia. In addition 4 ukranian and 9 russian faculty members are visiting NTNU.

There are 6 students on exchange from Ukraine, 5 are master students. From Russia the numbers are 11 and 34.

EU may exclude Russia from research networks

The German government has instructed its universities to freeze academic relations with Russia as the EU debates whether to exclude the country from research networks and infrastructures in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

An extraordinary European Council meeting is set for later today, Friday, to decide on the next steps. EU sources say all sanctions are on the table, including suspending – if not outright banning – Russia from international research organizations.

The assault on multiple fronts in the early hours of this morning has shaken research policymakers who would normally argue for the value of science diplomacy and of maintaining science links as a bridge in dark times.

Peter-Andre Alt, president of the German Rectors’ Conference, said Germany’s Foreign Office has “recommended to freeze academic relations and in particular scientific projects with Russia,” with more detailed discussions scheduled for this afternoon.

The Rectors’ Conference has already cancelled a meeting with Russian institutions set for next week to discuss joint master’s degrees.

Advised to stay at home

Students and staff at major Ukrainian universities are being advised to stay at home until further notice, after Russia launched a military invasion in the country, bombing cities well outside the separatist areas in Donetsk and Luhansk.

As of this morning, the government has introduced martial law for a period of 30 days and asked universities and schools to provide distance learning wherever possible, with students and academics were urged to stay at home.

“The educational process at the university continues remotely,” Volodymyr Melnyk, the rector of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv said in a statement today. “Our task is to act in an organised and responsible manner, consolidate efforts and maintain order,” said Melnyk

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