Ukrainian researchers are visiting Skellefteå as part of the UNSTE program.
The visit to Campus Skellefteå is part of the UNSTE program (Ukraine Natural Science Talent Empowerment), funded by the Swedish Institute's Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme. This program was initiated and is led by researcher Olena Myronycheva at Luleå University of Technology. Daria Pylypenko, a university lecturer from Kharkiv, finds this Swedish experience truly enriching.
– It's a different culture, a different way of life, a different type of food, and even a different way of communicating, she observes.
The visitors are primarily young researchers and PhD students, specialising in fields such as molecular biology, biotechnology, and plant science at Ukrainian universities. Tatiana Krupodorova, from Kyiv, vividly describes the profound impact of Russia's full-scale invasion on her life as a researcher.
– Our lives now exist on two parallel tracks. One track resembles normalcy, albeit with certain limitations. We can live relatively ordinary lives, albeit with necessary adjustments. However, the other track is dominated by alarms, sirens, and the ever-present threat of attacks. The transition between these two realities can occur abruptly, sometimes multiple times a day. This constant uncertainty disrupts our daily routines and significantly impacts our research work.
Alina Kerner, a PhD student from Kyiv, further emphasises the challenges of conducting research in Ukraine today.
– Our lives have been irrevocably altered. The constant threat of air raids makes it incredibly difficult to maintain focus in the laboratory. We are frequently interrupted by air raid sirens, forcing us to seek shelter. Furthermore, the frequent power outages severely disrupt our research activities. We must maximise our productivity within the limited time periods when electricity is available.
Why do you choose to stay and work in Ukraine?
– It's my homeland, and I've always aspired to become a researcher in Ukraine. I am eager to improve my English to effectively present my research internationally and demonstrate the high quality of our work. Ukraine is my country, my home. I cherish the people and the city I live in; it's truly beautiful, says Kerner.
During their visit, the researchers will have the opportunity to explore several of the university's cutting-edge scientific instruments and research infrastructures, engage with other researchers, and forge valuable connections.
The primary objectives of this visit are to foster scientific collaboration, strengthen vital bonds during these challenging times, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge. The newly established connections will also play a crucial role in advancing high-quality wood technology research within Skellefteå