‘No hope for science in Russia’: the academics trying to flee to the west
Russian scientists are turning to partners abroad to help them escape, but face an uncertain future even if successful
Prof John Duggan*, a climate scientist at a Russell Group university, had a Zoom call a few weeks ago with two Russian research partners shortly after their country invaded Ukraine. Duggan, who has worked with the academics for a while, suddenly found them unusually quiet and hesitant". He sensed that they were worried someone was looking over their shoulder".
In Russia, expressing opposition to the invasion is risky. But in subsequent calls Duggan says his friends have become bolder. Now they have given up hope for their work at home. They feel there is no future for science in Russia" and are seeking positions abroad so they can flee.
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