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It was a surreal moment when Ukraine native Oleh Khalimonchuk heard about the Russian invasion late at night. Then, the helplessness sunk in. What could he do to help? His impulsive fingers posted on Twitter.
As a 🇺🇦🇺🇸, I can’t just stand aside while this atrocious act of Russian aggression on🇺🇦unfolds. Happy to offer several short-/long-term lab fellowships for students/postdocs/senior scientists from Ukraine. DM for details or just help us spread the word. -OK #IStandWithUkriane
— Khalimonchuk Lab (@Mito_Crue) February 27, 2022
He said his lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can offer four Ukrainian biochemistry students and scientists short or long-term fellowships.
"Obviously, their careers in science they've been put on pause. I mean, they've been really stalled [at] this point," he said. "This is just an opportunity for them to continue doing what they're doing, or where they are kind of passionate of doing."
Other labs in Europe are offering academic opportunities too. While Nebraska may be much further west, Khalimonchuk said there’s native Ukrainians working in his lab already. His mother and extended family are still in Lviv, Ukraine. Khalimonchuk admits he’s still trying to figure out how to cope with the war, so he’s happy to help in any way.
Ukrainian biochemists interested in the fellowships can email Khalimonchuk.