Helping Ukraine from Germany

Mariia had to take a tough decision to go to Germany, when Russian tanks were just a few kilometres from her house in a suburb of Kyiv.

Once Russia’s invasion began, Schamma Schahadat, an old colleague, invited her to move to Germany and continue her research at the University of Tübingen.

It was the same professor who later told Mariia about MSCA4Ukraine.

It became clear to Mariia that she could have more impact and help her country from Germany, by advocating for Ukraine and amplifying the voices against Russia’s aggression both at academic and societal levels.

Decolonising Ukraine’s image

In the course of her research, Mariia discovered that the way Ukraine is portrayed in academic publications and translations from Ukrainian to German in German-speaking countries was misleading, and did not fully reflect the reality about the country.

“It is precisely through my research that I understood how many Russian narratives have been spread via academic literature and translations, and how efficient this type of ‘soft power’ can be.”

The importance of tackling misinformation in the current political context cannot be understated.

For this reason, Mariia works tirelessly to promote her findings within and outside academia.

“I find this research essential for Ukraine. My country has only been truly represented in media and the academic discourse since 2022. It is vital that we decolonise the narrative about Ukraine promoted by Russia and rethink old stereotypes. I hope my research and intercultural expertise will help Ukraine to be better understood internationally.”

Fostering exchanges between Ukrainian and German academics

Mariia has fully immersed herself in the academic community at the University of Tübingen.

Thanks to the excellent cooperation with her German counterparts, they have received a new impetus to work with Ukrainian academics.

“New joint projects and publications are emerging. I am happy that I can contribute to the deepening of the German-Ukrainian scientific dialogue and I am grateful for the support.”

About MSCA4Ukraine

MSCA4Ukraine, funded by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, is part of the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to the need for action to support displaced researchers from Ukraine.

It is enabling 125 fellows to continue their work in Europe, helping to safeguard Ukraine’s research and innovation system and the freedom of scientific research at large.