10.3.2022
Åbo Akademi University terminates its collaborations with Russian and Belarusian partners
As a stance against the war in Ukraine, Åbo Akademi University will suspend its collaborations with Russian universities and other Russian organizations for the time being. The decision has been made in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Culture’s recommendation.
The decision applies to research collaboration as well as other types of collaboration with Russian organizations, universities and research institutes. During the break, no new collaborations are initiated with either Russian or Belarusian organizations.
All student exchanges to Russia or Belarus are also suspended for the time being. The exchange students from these countries who are already at Åbo Akademi University can continue their studies as usual, but no new exchange students from these countries will be accepted until further notice.
“Åbo Akademi University, like the other universities in Finland, follows the new guidelines and refrains from all university and research collaboration with Russian partner organizations. Our line is not aimed at Russian students and researchers, but at a stance against the war in Ukraine. Åbo Akademi University works to include and show its support for everyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by the war,” says Mikael Lindfelt, Rector of Åbo Akademi University.
The Ministry of Education and Culture, in collaboration with the universities, is preparing measures to support Ukrainian students, staff and researchers to offer those fleeing the war opportunities to study or work in Finland.
Finland also supports the European Commission’s decision to suspend cooperation with Russian and Belarusian partners in the EU’s education and research program. The European Commission has suspended negotiations on new projects with Russian and Belarusian organizations related to the first applications under Horizon Europe as well as payments to Russia and Belarus in ongoing Horizon 2020 projects.