Dear Colleagues,
The European Biophysical Society's Association (EBSA) expresses its deep concern about the unexpected large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Already the local military conflict in the Donbas region claimed more than fourteen thousand lives in the last eight years. Every possible measure should be taken to avoid a corresponding upscaling of the war, with its disastrous effects.
EBSA has members in all countries who are actively or passively involved in this conflict and is concerned about the severe consequences it will have on many people's personal lives and the scientific community across Europe.
We are convinced that all problems between countries can be solved peacefully. As scientists, we have a long tradition of working together without borders for the sake of joint success and progress. Like junior and senior scientists of all nationalities, identities, and backgrounds, who work together efficiently in research institutes and universities worldwide, EBSA biophysicists promote collaborative efforts across their European home. Backed up by a strong community, the voice of anti-war activists will be heard, be it in Ukraine, Russia, or elsewhere.
We extend our deepest sympathy to scientists from the Ukraine whose lives and research have been suddenly endangered. EBSA plans to introduce a fund that could help support them in research stays in one of the EBSA member countries (
http://ebsa.org/portal/bursaries).
EBSA supports all scientists in Russia and elsewhere who are working together peacefully across national borders. We especially support all our colleagues and friends in Russia who have raised their voices against the war (https://trv-science.ru/2022/02/we-are-against-war/). However, we cannot work with an organization that is linked to the state that is funding the current aggression. EBSA will therefore temporarily suspend EBSA's membership in the National Scientific Council of Biophysics of the Russian Federation. This move, directed against a Russian organization rather than individuals, is consistent with international efforts to protect scientific cooperation as an integral and critical component of a peaceful international society and a prosperous future.
There is no fee to attend; however, you must register separately for each webinar. A Zoom link to the webinar will be sent to all registrants in advance.
Tony Watts, President of EBSA, has recently been interviewed at the Biophysical Society Annual Conference about the implications of Brexit for UK and European science.
The link to the interview is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq_qiH8Iu3I&index=5&t=0s&list=PLGVe6BxyFHNXoiGQFYGIruAuV0s8if5Rh