Information & Support about the current situation in the Ukraine

We, like most of you, are shocked and disgusted by the unjust invasion of the country of Ukraine by Wladimir Putin. Mr. Putin is waging a war simply for his own benefit and nothing else. 

We and the University understand that the current situation can be extremely stressful and uncertain for some of you. And therefore we want to show you the information and offers of support that the University sent out last week. 

If there is anything you need help with, any worries that keep you up, you can always contact us, too, and we will try to help where we can. 

# Offers to talk
As an international campus, TU Dortmund University is also the academic home for numerous students and employees who have their roots in the crisis area. For example, around 80 students from Ukraine and 150 students from the Russian Federation are currently enrolled here. As a community, it is important to have an open ear for each other, especially in these difficult times. If you need to talk to someone, you can of course also use the daily office hours of the Department of Student Services, where trained colleagues offer their help. The offer is open to all students of our community who are directly or indirectly affected, as well as to all for whom the current situation triggers worries and fears.

# Exchange programs
The DAAD announced this morning by circular letter that in coordination with the German government the financial support of the German-Russian exchange programs will be stopped. A conference has been scheduled for next week to provide more detailed information about this. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation also announced yesterday that it would react in view of the political situation. Those affected at TU Dortmund University can contact Laura Hope (Outgoings), Sonja Breiholtz (Incomings) and Silke Viol (Erasmus plus) in the International Office with any questions.

# Cooperations
There is still no current information from many funding agencies on how planned EU sanctions might affect funding for German-Russian research collaborations. We encourage all TU members to stay in touch with their international partners and thus show solidarity with those who wish for peace and position themselves against war and disinformation. If you have any questions about the science policy framework for third-party funded projects, please contact Dr. Verena Risse in the Rectorate; if you have questions about specific projects, please contact Dr. Heike Wulfert in the Office of Research Support Services. 

# Travel warnings
The Federal Foreign Office warns against traveling to Ukraine and calls on all German citizens to leave the country urgently. There is currently a partial travel warning for Russia; the situation may worsen here in the short term. If you have planned a trip to the region, please keep yourself informed via the Federal Foreign Office and consult with the Head of the Department of Human Resources.