EAAS Statement on Ukraine

The EAAS is a pan-European association of twenty-one national and regional American Studies associations. We are committed to co-operation and intercommunication between scholars from all parts of Europe and across all academic disciplines. The principles of academic freedom, the freedom of expression, and the freedom of identity are core values of who we are as a community.

The outbreak of military conflict in Ukraine this week, coming after a prolonged period of tension and violence in the region in recent years, is utterly deplorable. We call on all parties to enter dialogue immediately in the search for a sustainable peace.

For those in Ukraine or seeking refuge who are at risk, The Austrian Academy of Sciences has created the following special programme: Joint Excellence in Science and Humanities to enable researchers from Ukraine to continue their work in Austria at the research institutes of the Academy as well as at other Austrian research institutions. https://www.oeaw.ac.at/fileadmin/NEWS/2022/PDF/Solidaritaetsadresse_EN.pdf.

Germany provides short-term support up to 24 months, through the Philipp Schwartz Initiative (https://www.research-in-germany.org/en/research-funding/funding-programmes/avh-philipp-schwartz-initiative.html).

InSPIREurope offers Europe-wide support to researchers at risk due to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence. It is hosted at Maynooth University, Ireland, and is co-ordinated by Scholars at Risk Europe. Further information can be found at: https://eua.eu/resources/project.

In Switzerland, the SAR Swiss Section (SAR Switzerland) promotes the values, mission and activities of Scholars at Risk by hosting scholars at threat. More information is available here: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/sections/sar-switzerland/.

In Turkey, a range of fellowships are available through Tübitak: https://www.tubitak.gov.tr/en/scholarship/postdoctoral/international-programmes/content-2221-fellowships-for-visiting-scientists-and-scientists-on-sabbatical-leave. Applications are received on a rolling basis, so colleagues can apply immediately. Our Turkish association representative will assist with the required invitation letter.

In the United Kingdom, CARA (Council for At-Risk Academics) was established in 1933 for “the relief of suffering and the defence of learning and science.” Fellowship information is available here: https://www.cara.ngo/what-we-do/a-lifeline-to-academics-at-risk/

We stand in support of the people of Ukraine.

The Board of the European Association for American Studies