London, June 28  : The United Kingdom will allocate additional 9.8 million pounds ($11.9 million) to attract Ukrainian researchers to the country, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office said in a statement on Tuesday.
“More than 130 Ukrainian academics will be brought to, and supported in, the UK under the ‘Researchers at Risk’ programme which launched in March. £3 million was initially allocated to the programme and a further £9.8 million announced today will allow it to expand significantly to meet demand,” the statement read.
The statement noted that Ukrainian scientists, who leave the country or cannot return there, would be able to continue their research in the UK. Within the framework of this scholarship program, scientists will be paid a salary for two years to cover living and research expenses.
“People across the UK have opened their hearts and their homes to support those fleeing violence in Ukraine, and our world-leading universities, research institutions and tech businesses are no different,” Johnson said.
The program involves 79 British universities and the government plans to allocate new funds to expand this list, as well as establish cooperation with new higher education institutions in Ukraine.