Researchers from Ukraine Start Working at Vilnius University

In response to Russia’s aggression and hostilities in Ukraine, Vilnius University (VU) has offered assistance to the Ukrainian academic community and the opportunity to continue working in Lithuania. Lecturers or researchers can teach and/or conduct research at VU in-person or remotely.

Currently, 38 Ukrainian lecturers and researchers work at VU, both in-person and remotely. One of the people employed at VU is Tetiana Boriak, a doctoral history student from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. At the end of March, she started working at the Faculty of History of Vilnius University.

“I feel cozy and comfortable in your country, city, and university. The whole atmosphere around is very friendly. The Faculty of History promptly responded to my request for help, quickly appointing a job and introducing me to colleagues. I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue my research,” said T. Boriak.

At the Faculty of History, she is writing a dissertation on the history of the Holodomor (Голодомор, the Great Famine of Ukraine), as of May she will give lectures to undergraduate students on the history of 20th century Ukraine. Furthermore, she does her best to educate the Lithuanian society about her field of science - the Holodomor.

“I have already taught a history lesson to the children of a Vilnius school, I will talk about the Great Famine of Ukraine on a radio show. I am open to various proposals regarding the popularization of Ukrainian history, the Holodomor, and the modern Russian war against Ukraine,” the doctoral student from Ukraine said.

Another scientist who came to VU is Dr. Nataliia Mykhailova, a researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Although she is just starting work at the Department of Archeology at the Faculty of History of Vilnius University, she says that her first impressions of the new workplace are positive and very pleasant.

“All the staff welcomed me very warmly, helping me not only with work but also with personal matters. Loreta Skurvydaitė, Dean of the Faculty of History, had a great influence on my current faith. I am thrilled by the goodwill,” said N. Mykhailova.

The researcher intends to continue the research she has already started, give lectures to the public, write scientific articles, and take up new topics in the field of archaeology.

“I will give students a lecture “Shaman. Hunter. Deer,” which is part of my big project on deer cult among ancient Eurasian hunters. I also plan to launch a new study Personal Ornament of the Cemeteries of South Ukraine and Baltic: Comparative analysis. It will strengthen scientific cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania, as archeological material from Ukraine and the Baltic States will be examined,” the doctor of history discussed her plans.

In her view, the history of the emergence and development of spiritual culture is of interest not only to scholars but also to the general public and can serve to promote the science of archeology.

VU organizes and actively participates in other support initiatives for Ukraine. The University collects material support, volunteers in various fields, and provides psychological assistance. For more information about support for Ukraine, read here.