General Assembly of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora

09.12.2024

The first official general assembly of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora (USciDA) took place at the Erwin Schrödinger Institute (ESI). This initiative is uniting the efforts of Ukrainian scientists in Austria in the reconstruction and development of Ukraine.

On December 5th, 2024, the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Austria held the first official meeting since the establishment of the organization in the summer of 2024. The event was hosted by ESI Director Professor Christoph Dellago.

The founders of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora, Igor Lyman and Yevheniia Polishchuk, delivered welcoming speeches. Moreover, the head of the ‘Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine’, Igor Taranov, expressed his support for the initiative.

USciDa is a collective initiative by Ukrainian scientists in Austria, dedicated to supporting colleagues who have relocated both before and as a result of the war, while actively contributing to the rebuilding and future development of Ukraine.In an effort to foster connection and build a sense of community, USciDa organized a gathering to support newcomers in navigating academic life in Austria.

Attendees brought up a range of simple yet important questions, such as: How does university life function here? What programs are available? And—perhaps more broadly—what is life in Austria like?

On this occasion, the organizers provided practical guidance and later hosted an informal banquet, creating a warm and welcoming environment that encouraged further connection and discussion. The participation of scientists across generations—from students to established professors—and with diverse migration stories to Austria, created a dynamic and mixed group.

There was a tangible sense of success and solidarity.Amid the challenges of today’s world, the evening served as a small but powerful reminder of what matters: information, community, and a shared moment of joy.

If you would like to know more about the USciDA, check their channels:

 

 

a group of people from the USciDA in a lecture hall. The logo of USciDa is on top of them, an Austria and an Ukrainian flag together

A group picture of the General Assembly of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora