Government of Canada Launches Initiative to Support Ukraine-Based Scientists

News release

October 28, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada

As a direct result of Russia's unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, many scientists, particularly women, are abandoning their research projects and scientific careers.

In response to this crisis, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, has announced the launch of a new initiative to help Ukraine preserve and rebuild its science and research capacity in the natural resource sectors. Through the Canada–Ukraine Science Partnership, scientists from Ukraine willing to come to Canada can submit their resume through a newly created website. This program will provide temporary employment to Ukrainian scientists fleeing the war by leveraging its regional lab network, relationships with academia and existing relations with Ukrainian science institutes.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has received 39 applications since publishing the website on August 31, 2022. NRCan is aiming to hire five Ukraine-based scientists by December 2022 and up to 20 scientists by the end of this fiscal year. NRcan will connect scientists fleeing the war with temporary research opportunities in Canada, where they will bring their knowledge and expertise to the natural resource sectors including, but not limited to, oil and gas, critical minerals, forestry, marine geoscience and earth observation.

The Canada–Ukraine Science Partnership is the first initiative of the Supporting Scientists in Crises Abroad: Canada–International Science Partnerships program and is part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to address present and future global crises, with an emphasis on helping preserve science capacity around the world.

Quotes

“In response to unjustifiable Russian aggression, Canada is taking action today to help preserve Ukraine’s scientific capacity. By welcoming Ukrainian scientists to Canada for a period of up to three years, we can provide meaningful and important research opportunities for individuals forced by this ongoing conflict to leave behind their careers and their homes.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

Minister of Natural Resources

Quick facts

Eligibility: Scientists, post-graduate students and subject matter experts who have fled or are fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion, including:
- Highly qualified individuals with experience in the natural resource sectors
- Students who are seeking placements at Canadian academic institutions to continue their research
Application process:
- Applicants are encouraged to apply online through the Canada–Ukraine Science Partnership website.
- Once the application is received and accepted, the applicant will be added to a pool of eligible candidates. Canada–Ukraine Science Partnership
- The applicant’s skills and knowledge will be matched to the list of available opportunities at NRCan and our partners. If a position does not meet NRCan’s matching criteria, CVs will be shared with partner organizations to find matching opportunities whenever possible.

Associated links

Contacts

Natural Resources Canada

Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Keean Nembhard

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Natural Resources

613-323-7892

keean.nembhard@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2022-10-28