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More than a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, universities around the world are taking steps to support scholars affected by the fighting in their country.

To date, more 170 Ukrainian institutions of higher education . Academics who remain in Ukraine now conduct their research, teaching, and public service in  circumstances. 

On March 17-19, the �ؿ�ζSM’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy will host a digital benefit conference with keynote talks by world-renowned author and U of T alumna , acclaimed historian  and two of Ukraine’s leading public intellectuals:  and .

All money raised by the event, titled  will support the  at Ukraine’s National University of .

“By assisting Ukrainian students and scholars today, this Centre will help pave the way for a vibrant and engaged post-war Ukraine,” says principal organizer and U of T alumnus Aaron Wendland, a Vision Fellow in Public Philosophy at King’s College, London and a senior research fellow at Massey College.

The conference will examine the role of academia during times of crisis, with participants analyzing the public impact of their academic research and exploring the relationship between the academy and civil society. It’s designed to provide individual academics, members of the public, colleges and universities, professional associations, charitable foundations, and private companies with a way to support Ukrainian students, scholars, and civic institutions.

Many philosophers from around the world will be participating. Those speaking will include , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  and .

The hope is to build an organization that can help counteract the destabilizing impact that Russia’s invasion has had on Ukrainian higher education and civilian life.

“Universities around the world began helping Ukrainian academics in exile through a mix of publicly and privately funded  initiatives, which have helped Ukrainian refugees very much,” says Wendland. “However, academic institutions in Ukraine still need major international assistance.

“The Centre for Civic Engagement will aim to address the needs of the Ukrainian academy by offering  for students, scholars, and publicly engaged academics in the country.”