First Lady of Ukraine Visits National Academy of Sciences

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First Lady of Ukraine Visits National Academy of Sciences

Feature Story| July 10, 2024

By Molly Galvin

"Science and culture bring us closer together. They will indeed save the modern world." These words from First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska set the tone for a conference today at the National Academy of Sciences on strengthening ties between Ukrainian and U.S. science and education institutions.

The conference, co-hosted by the Ukrainian Embassy and the NAS, convened dignitaries, policymakers, and academics from the two countries to identify how they can work together to ensure that Ukraine can continue to develop the knowledge and expertise needed to rebuild the country and preserve its culture.

In her address, Zelenska described the damage done to Ukrainian knowledge centers such as universities, scientific laboratories, and museums since the war began. "Attacks on [these institutions] not only cause destruction but also set back progress for years. We need to rebuild life now - faster than they destroy it. That is why educational partnerships between our countries is so important."

"It's as though Russia wants to destroy Ukraine's future" by targeting these institutions, said National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt. "We know the distinguished contributions that Ukrainian institutions have made to science, and we're committed, with our fellow Academies across Europe and the West, to rebuild Ukraine."

Since the early days of the war, the NAS has been mobilizing international support for Ukrainian science, said McNutt, and recently, the Academy launched the Science and Innovation Fund for Ukraine - a multimillion dollar initiative to position Ukrainian science and technology as a major driver of the country's economic and national security.

"The pursuit of science is crucial - not only for Ukraine, but for all nations - because all of us want a better future for ourselves and our children," McNutt said. "That's why research and education are truly global undertakings that have long transcended national borders and even wars."

"We're excited about the opportunity to build stronger bridges between schools, universities, and research laboratories and their bodies in the United States," said Zelenska. "The spread of knowledge is a victory - over aggression, over disruption, and over chaos."