UKRI suspends funding for Russia-linked projects

The UK’s main research funder has frozen all payments to grants involving scientists in Russia in light of the invasion of Ukraine.

Almost 50 grants for projects at UK universities worth tens of millions of pounds in total have been suspended by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

In an email to universities last week, UKRI informed research leaders that it was cutting off all funding streams to research in which Russia-based scientists were partners.

“As we await further [British] government advice, we are pausing all payments to grants with potential Russian partners in order to seek further information,” UKRI explained.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian government, including colleagues and academic partners who may be dealing with the effects of this directly or indirectly and need our compassion, support, understanding and respect.”

Projects affected by the move include research on nuclear fusion, hydrology, animal genetics and planetary science, the Financial Times reported, stating that “the Russian contribution to most projects is small in monetary terms but more substantial in expertise and equipment”.

In a statement, UKRI added: “We are in close contact with colleagues across government to ensure we take the most appropriate actions. This is a highly sensitive time, not least because we need to support and protect individuals.”

Further guidance on British-Russian academic collaboration is due to be issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy next week, but it is expected that the temporary ban on cooperation will be made permanent, with researchers scrambling to find alternative partners.

The University of Warwick has already reviewed its links to Russian universities “with a view to terminating contracts where possible”. Its vice-chancellor Stuart Croft said that the university had been scaling back relationships with Russian institutions over the years but had stepped up this work following the invasion of Ukraine.

A Russell Group spokesman said that “the events of the last few weeks have been deeply troubling for everyone involved and our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine” and its universities “have reviewed any collaborations or other links they may have had with Russia and are taking appropriate action”.

“Since the start of the invasion, our members have prioritised support for staff and students in the UK or overseas who have been affected, and they will continue to do so for as long as this is needed,” he added.

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com