Paul Sabatier University fully mobilized to help Ukrainians
The solidarity momentum continues in the pink city. Since February 24, thePaul Sabatier University works to support their Ukrainian students, but also Slavic teacher-researchers, with whom strong bonds have been forged.
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Collaboration between Toulouse and Ukraine
For more than twenty years, Paul Sabatier University has maintained scientific exchanges in the field of chemistry with Ukraine. Initially with the university Taras-Shevchenko of Kievthen with other establishments in the slave country.
This extended to Kharkiv with the VN Karazin University and to the University of Donetsk, which has relocated to Vinnytsia since the Donbass war” confides to The Independent Opinion, Stephane Mazieresteacher-researcher in chemistry at Paul Sabatier University.
These scientific exchanges allow these different establishments to organize Congresses called “Toulouse-Kiev Conference” every two years. This year, the 11and edition was to be held in Kyiv. The current context unfortunately hinders the organization of this one. Thus, the Toulouse campus worked to organize the congress in Toulouse in June.
In addition to this network of researchers, the faculty has established exchanges Erasmus. “I coordinate an Erasmus Plus program which concerns the mobility of people. There is a flow of Ukrainian students from Kyiv, Kharviv and Vinnytsia who come to Toulouse”, explains Stéphane Mazières. This year, 5 chemistry students from Ukraine continued their studies at Paul Sabatier.
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Support for Ukrainian students…
From Friday, February 25, 2022, Fabrice GamboaDeputy Vice-President for International Relations of the faculty, Fabienne Alary, vice-president of training, and the teaching staff organized a first gathering on campus. Many Ukrainian students responded to the call. “We have declared our most sincere support to them” assures the teacher-researcher.
The campus provided them Locals so that they can meet and discuss. “They have also set up associations and set up collection points for donations. On social networks too, student mobilization is in full swing.”
For Ukrainian Erasmus, the exchange ends in June. However, if the situation in Ukraine does not improve, thePaul Sabatier University wishes to extend their stay to ensure their safety. Questions about their degree also worry the teaching staff.
Our big difficulty right now is obtaining their diploma. In the exchange program, students earn credits. They then convert them to Ukraine in order to graduate. Or, the current situation could prevent them from graduating. For example, for the Master 2, they could be prevented from competing for doctoral scholarships in the event of non-validation of their credit” worries Stéphane Mazières.
… And to Ukrainian teachers
Thousands of kilometers from Toulouse, the Ukrainian counterparts of Stephane Mazieres strive to leave the territory. This is the case of Zoya Potenkochemistry teacher in Kyiv, who is in daily contact with Stéphane.
It helped us to structure this network of exchanges of scientists 20 years ago. She is one of the centerpieces and coordinator of the program. She left the Ukrainian capital this week, with her daughter. They are currently in Budapest and are being deposited. The journey between Kiev and the Hungarian capital was difficult. She should join Toulouse this Monday“, says the teacher-researcher.
Several professors at the university also ensure that they regularly contact their Ukrainian colleagues. Some offer to welcome them to their homes, others are in contact with the town hall to find them temporary housing to live there permanently. The solidarity towards the Ukrainian people is more than ever presented in Toulouse.
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