Message about the Scientific Community in Ukraine
The European Astronomical Society (EAS), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the American Astronomical Society (AAS), African Astronomical Society (AfAS), and the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) have been observing with great concern the events unfolding in Ukraine and fear the adverse consequences for the scientific community, our colleagues, and their families. We have been receiving reports of the dire circumstances they are experiencing: their freedom, safety, and even their lives are under threat.
The mission of our societies is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education, and development through international cooperation. We believe in free expression and free exchange of scientific ideas and in peaceful collaboration at a global level. The current events jeopardize the scientific cooperation within our European community and with the rest of the world.
We are deeply concerned for the Ukrainian community as well as for the entire region. In response to the life-threatening situation in which our Ukrainian colleagues find themselves, the EAS, IAU, AAS, AfAS, and ASA wish to encourage members to help wherever possible in this difficult time for Ukraine. Ukrainian astronomers seeking support should contact the Institute of International Education (IIE) Scholar Rescue Fund, which supports refugee scholars and is activating an Ukraine-specific student Emergency Fund.
Roger Davies, President of the European Astronomical Society
Debra Elmegreen, President of the International Astronomical Union
Paula Szkody, President of the American Astronomical Society
Jamal Mimouni, President of the African Astronomical Society
John Lattanzio, President of the Astronomical Society of Australia
The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of approximately 8,000 also includes physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meetings, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.