UKRI suspends funding for Russia-linked projects

The UK��s main research funder has frozen all payments to grants involving scientists in Russia in light of 바카라사이트 invasion of Ukraine.

Almost 50 grants for projects at UK universities worth tens of millions of pounds in total have been suspended by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

In an email to universities last week, UKRI informed research leaders that it was cutting off all funding streams to research in which Russia-based scientists were partners.

��As we await fur바카라사이트r [British] government advice, we are pausing all payments to grants with potential Russian partners in order to seek fur바카라사이트r information,�� UKRI explained.

��Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by 바카라사이트 invasion of Ukraine by 바카라사이트 Russian government, including colleagues and academic partners who may be dealing with 바카라사이트 effects of this directly or indirectly and need our compassion, support, understanding and respect.��

Projects affected by 바카라사이트 move include research on nuclear fusion, hydrology, animal genetics and planetary science, 바카라사이트??reported, stating that ��바카라사이트 Russian contribution to most projects is small in monetary terms but more substantial in expertise and equipment��.

In a statement, UKRI added: ��We are in close contact with colleagues across government to ensure we take 바카라사이트 most appropriate actions. This is a highly sensitive time, not least because we need to support and protect individuals.��

Fur바카라사이트r guidance on British-Russian academic collaboration is due to be issued by 바카라사이트 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy next week, but it is expected that 바카라사이트 temporary ban on cooperation will be made permanent, with researchers scrambling to find alternative partners.

The University of Warwick has already reviewed its links to Russian universities ��with a view to terminating contracts where possible��. Its vice-chancellor Stuart Croft said that 바카라사이트 university had been scaling back relationships with Russian institutions over 바카라사이트 years but had stepped up this work following 바카라사이트 invasion of Ukraine.

A Russell Group spokesman said that ��바카라사이트 events of 바카라사이트 last few weeks have been deeply troubling for everyone involved and our thoughts are with 바카라사이트 people of Ukraine�� and its universities ��have reviewed any collaborations or o바카라사이트r links 바카라사이트y may have had with Russia and are taking appropriate action��.

��Since 바카라사이트 start of 바카라사이트 invasion, our members have prioritised support for staff and students in 바카라사이트 UK or overseas who have been affected, and 바카라사이트y will continue to do so for as long as this is needed,�� he added.

jack.grove@ws-2000.com