The Struggles of Ukrainian Scholars in Wartime and the State of Academic Freedom

Abstract

This article examines the state of academic freedom in Ukraine during the ongoing war, drawing on research conducted for the 2024 SCIENCE AT RISK Monitoring Report on Ukraine. Structured around the Academic Freedom Index indicators, the analysis highlights the dynamic shifts that have occurred under martial law. While the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 led to a significant decline in the index, certain aspects - such as the dissemination of research results and international integration - recovered to pre-war levels by 2024. The article's findings are based on the survey, which included a diverse sample of Ukrainian scholars across various disciplines, career stages, and regions. The findings underscore the resilience and vulnerabilities of academic institutions and workers in conflict settings.