THE WAR IN UKRAINE. In mid-March, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations (KAW) announced a grant to support Ukrainian researchers. KAW has now approved 32 applications, four of which will lead to positions in research teams at the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, WCMTM.
The support was announced as a grant of SEK 1 million for a one-year position at a Swedish university within one of the Wallenberg Foundations’ strategic centers, which include WCMTM. Cristina Maglio, Alesia Tietze and Björn Redfors head the three research teams at WCMTM that will have Ukrainian colleagues.
Contributing to diversity
Björn Redfors’ team will be joined by two researchers who have defended their doctoral theses in Ukraine and who also have clinical experience in internal medicine and cardiology. They become part of a research team that is already diverse, with existing members from Egypt, India, Iran, Pakistan, and now Ukraine.
“It is important and rewarding, of course, to be able to help give them a chance for a new start in Sweden,” comments Björn Redfors. “Both Ukrainian researchers seem very talented and motivated. For the research team, having internationally experienced people on board is very positive.”
WCMTM Acting Director Margit Mahlapuu also welcomes the opportunity to provide funding in a crisis. “The support enables the Ukrainian researchers to contribute to, and benefit from, a broader academic network during their stay in Sweden,” says Mahlapuu.
BY: KATARINA TULLIA VON SYDOW & ELIN LINDSTRÖM
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