The University and the war in Ukraine
Information for students, staff and others
The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens international peace and security and violates international law and the European security order. Lund University stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian higher education institutions.
This page was last updated on: 18 October 2023
Lund University is monitoring the course of events in Ukraine and the government’s management of the situation.
- Staff members – see more information on the Staff Pages
- Prospective students affected by the war in Ukraine – see our FAQs
Shortcuts to page content:
- Lund University in solidarity with Ukraine
- Support for students and staff
- Support for Ukrainian researchers
- You can make a difference
- Other humanitarian initiatives
Lund University in solidarity with Ukraine
Lund University is part of a universal community of higher education institutions and researchers that share academic values. We stand for academic freedom, freedom of speech and democracy. Student exchanges are extremely important for peace and democracy.
Our decision to withdraw from collaborations with Russia and Belarus until further notice is based on the fact that these collaborations currently jeopardise the above principles. This position reflects the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine in particular, which by extension threatens the University's values, democracy and freedom.
Collaborations are suspended with immediate effect and no new agreements are being entered into with these countries
At a press conference on 2 March 2022, the Minister for Education called on all higher education institutions in Sweden to immediately discontinue all collaborations with state institutions in Russia and Belarus.
In view of the government’s urgent request, the University has now suspended all agreements and collaborations with Russia and Belarus. No new agreements will be entered into with these countries under the current circumstances.
The University is working to receive students and researchers from Ukraine, as well as undertaking other measures to support research in Ukraine.
Collaboration agreements for research
The University has around 20 collaboration agreements within research that are now suspended, and no new agreements will be entered into with these countries under the current circumstances.
Ongoing collaborations between researchers at the individual level may continue, but security policy aspects should be taken into account.
More information about collaboration agreements for research on the Staff Pages
Collaboration agreements for education
Four ongoing student exchange agreements with higher education institutions in Russia are now suspended. These agreements are managed by External Relations and the faculties concerned.
Support for students and staff
Many students and staff members are worried and concerned, in some cases directly and personally, by the war and human suffering that the war entails. The University therefore offers help and support to all affected students and staff.
Support for Ukrainian researchers
The government has now tasked the Swedish Research Council with gathering information on support that is available to researchers who leave Ukraine and come to Sweden. Swedish higher education institutions and research funding bodies have already launched a number of support initiatives.
A comprehensive list of options can be found on the Swedish Research Council website.
Support initiatives for researchers from Ukraine – vr.se
Funding for researchers from Ukraine
There are funding opportunities available for Ukrainian researchers who want a research position or similar in Sweden.
Funding opportunities for Ukrainian researchers – Staff Pages
You can make a difference
Both within and outside the University, there is great interest to help students and staff members who have been affected by the war in Ukraine. You can donate money to Lund University’s initiative: 'the Lund University support programme for students and staff affected by the situation in Ukraine'.
All support is valuable and your contribution makes a difference!
Send your donation marked 'Ukraine' via Swish 1230299719 or bank giro 830-6599.
Other humanitarian initiatives
Many staff members and students are calling for humanitarian initiatives. Lund University’s overall initiatives are based on its core activities and work on reviewing existing collaborations, as well as possibilities for the University to open up the organisation more for Ukrainian students, academics and researchers.
Staff members and students who want to get involved are encouraged primarily to turn to the established organisations engaged in aid initiatives. There is of course the possibility for everyone to create local initiatives in the way that works best in the organisation to show their support and provide help.
Do you wonder how the war affects the University?
If you have questions about the consequences of the war in Ukraine for the University, you can email ukraina [at] er [dot] lu [dot] se (ukraina[at]er[dot]lu[dot]se).
If you are a student, you can contact the International Desk at studentreception [at] lu [dot] se (studentreception[at]lu[dot]se).
Prospective student affected by the war in Ukraine?
See our FAQs about studies and applications, migration to Sweden, practical matters, etc.
The war in Ukraine affects and concerns us all
Read the vice-chancellor's blog on the Lund University Staff Pages.