In a letter addressed to the global public, Russian scientists protest the military invasion of Ukraine begun by their country. By now, hundreds of supporters from Russian science have joined and signed the protest published on the website https://trv-science.ru/2022/02/we-are-against-war/.
The Presiding Committee of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) shares the conviction with its Russian colleagues that lived freedom of science is an essential pillar of democracy, the rule of law and peace.
Science stands for peace
"It is our firm conviction that science, especially in times of conflict, can contribute to peace, stability and peaceful coexistence between people and societies. Your open letter bears eloquent testimony to this and strengthens and encourages us in this conviction," explains the Presiding Committee of the OeAW in a letter addressed to the signatories.
The OeAW is deeply impressed by the courageous public advocacy of its Russian colleagues for peace and expressly supports the protest against the war.
"You – Russian scientists and science journalists – have made an impressive contribution to peaceful coexistence and free scientific exchange between our societies for years, indeed for decades, often under the most difficult conditions," says the open letter from the OeAW's Presiding Committee. "Your courageous letter commands our deepest respect. With you and our colleagues in Ukraine, we share the idea of being able to live in peace and democracy in Europe."