The Ministry of Education and Culture on Wednesday recommended that Finnish higher education institutions refrain from all cooperation with Russian partner organisations in higher education and science, said a government press release.
The recommendation was made following the decision of Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen on new policies on Russia with regard to higher education and research and on preparations related to support for Ukraine.
According to the policies, new projects should not be initiated and existing cooperation between organisations should be suspended for the time being.
The processing of new initiatives related to cooperation between the authorities of Finland and Russia or Belarus will also be frozen.
Kurvinen discussed the new policies with the heads of higher education institutions on Wednesday.
“Together with the higher education sector, our measures are directed at the Russian Federation that has attacked Ukraine,” said Kurvinen.
“Our policies focus on supporting Ukraine, not on Russian students and researchers. It is still possible to apply for entry to Finland as a student or researcher regardless of your citizenship,” Kurvinen said.
According to Kurvinen, Finland intends to support Ukraine and Ukrainians in the fields of higher education and research cooperation.
The Ministry of Education and Culture, in collaboration with higher education institutions, is preparing measures to support Ukrainian students, staff and researchers in higher education institutions and to offer opportunities to study and work in Finland for those who are fleeing the war.
It is hoped that higher education institutions can provide mental support to students and staff for the anxiety caused by the crisis in Ukraine and actively inform them of what kind of support is available. Support is available especially for Ukrainian students and staff members.
Finland also supports the decision of the European Commission to suspend cooperation within the framework of EU training and research programmes with Russian and Belarusian partners.
The European Commission has suspended negotiations on new projects with Russian and Belarusian organisations related to first applications under Horizon Europe as well as payments to Russia and Belarus in ongoing Horizon 2020 projects.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
It is crucial that Finland takes a strong stance in support of Ukraine amidst the conflict with Russia. Suspending cooperation with Russian partner organizations is a necessary step to show solidarity with Ukraine and prioritize their support in higher education and research. I commend Minister Antti Kurvinen for these decisive actions.
It’s commendable that Finland is taking a strong stance in support of Ukraine by halting cooperation with Russia and Belarus. Education and research ties should align with values of peace and solidarity. Kudos to Minister Kurvinen for prioritizing support for Ukraine.
Do you think Finland’s decision to suspend cooperation with Russian partner organizations in higher education and science is the right approach in supporting Ukraine?
Finland’s decision to suspend cooperation with Russian partner organizations in higher education and science is a strong stance in supporting Ukraine. By freezing existing projects and halting new initiatives, Finland sends a clear message of solidarity with Ukraine. It prioritizes supporting Ukraine over maintaining ties with Russian students and researchers, aligning with the current international context. It’s crucial to stand firm against aggression and show support for those in need.
Finland should prioritize standing with Ukraine and supporting Ukrainians in higher education and research cooperation. As a student or researcher, your nationality should not limit your opportunities to enter Finland. It’s crucial to suspend cooperation with Russian partner organizations to send a strong message against the Russian attacks on Ukraine.
What implications will this decision have on the current research projects and academic collaborations that Finnish institutions have with their Russian counterparts?
This decision will likely have significant implications on current research projects and academic collaborations between Finnish institutions and their Russian counterparts. With the recommendation to refrain from cooperation with Russian partner organisations, ongoing projects may face disruptions or suspensions. Additionally, the freeze on new initiatives could hinder the development of future collaborations. It will be crucial for the institutions to assess the impact on existing partnerships and work towards alternative solutions to mitigate any potential setbacks.
Finland is making a strong statement with this decision. It’s crucial to show solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times. The focus on supporting Ukraine in higher education and research cooperation is commendable.
I firmly believe that Finland’s decision to halt cooperation with Russian and Belarusian organizations in higher education and science is a necessary step in supporting Ukraine during these challenging times. It is crucial to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and focus our efforts on assisting their education and research initiatives.
It’s a bold move by Minister Kurvinen, but a necessary one considering the current situation. Supporting Ukraine should be the priority, and temporarily halting cooperation with Russia and Belarus seems like the right decision.
What are the specific criteria that will be used to determine when cooperation with Russian partner organizations can resume?
Could you provide more details on how this decision is affecting the ongoing research projects between Finnish universities and Russian organizations?