UK universities boycott Russia

Durham University and the University of Aberdeen, both educational establishments with long standing bilateral research agreements with Russian institutions, are suspending their collaboration. Agreements between the University of Aberdeen and Russian institutions have been indefinitely suspended. The University of Aberdeen put out a statement Tuesday, 1 March 2022:

The outrageous and distressing scenes in Ukraine continue to shock and sadden as we watch events unfold. As an international community, with staff and students from across the world, we condemn the invasion and war in Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine and its people and offer our unqualified support and solidarity. Read more...

Durham University's statement, originally published on Monday, 28 Feb. 2022, was updated Thursday, 10 March 2022:

The war in Ukraine is of immense concern. We are an international University with a deep commitment to social responsibility and democratic values. We strongly condemn any acts of aggression and specifically the attack on Ukraine being carried out by the Russian government and armed forces. Our thoughts are with all Ukrainian Citizens, especially those who have lost loved ones in this humanitarian disaster. Read more...

Scotland's University of St Andrews, on Tuesday, 8 March 2022, announced the suspension of all academic programs, collaborations, and activities with Russia. Unfortunately for certain students, noting the significance of their previous working relationship, this includes the joint Masters program with Moscow State University. St Andrews, something everyone should have seen coming, also divested its £40,000 in Russian holdings.

We have been in contact with our Ukrainian students and members of staff since the outbreak of war to offer practical support and advice. It is difficult to imagine how awful it must be to be far from home, and desperately worried about what is happening to your country, your loved ones, and friends. Your courage and dignity is humbling, and an example to us all, and St Andrews will do all it can to support you. Read more...

The University of Glasgow, referencing a university-wide ban, announced on Wednesday, 9 March 2022, all partnerships with Russian and Belarusian academic institutions will be suspended.

In recent days, the Russian Union of Rectors has published a statement supporting the Russian Federation Government’s invasion of Ukraine. Like many universities across the world, we are appalled by this unjustifiable statement. As a result, we have taken the decision to suspend our partnerships with Russian and Belarusian academic institutions.

We will also suspend any Russian and Belarusian partner engagement across events or activities that the University is hosting or leading. This is not a decision taken lightly, and I hope our community can understand and support this action. Read more...

The University of Reading, two days later, followed suit. Reading's working partnership with the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, as of Friday, 11 March 2022, has been suspended.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, has written to the Rector of MGIMO to suspend the partnership, following a statement by the Russian Union of Rectors on 4 March expressing support for the invasion of Ukraine. The University of Reading reiterated its condemnation of the Russian invasion. Read more...

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George Freeman MP, the UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation, announced on Sunday, 27 Feb. 2022 a review of all research funding from the UK government to Russian beneficiaries.

Freeman's actions led to the UK Research and Innovation agency suspending at least fifty grants for projects at British universities which were linked to Russian universities.

The QS World University Rankings, a British Non-government organisation, announced Monday, 7 March 2022 it will no longer be listing Russian and Belarusian universities within its future rankings. QS’ response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine was updated Wednesday, 23 March 2022:

At QS, we are united in outrage at the war Russia is waging against the Ukrainian people. We believe in the power of international education to promote understanding and collaboration, yet we have seen images of university campuses indiscriminately attacked, and our partners, colleagues and friends displaced in this humanitarian catastrophe. Read more...

Further, because of this decision, the organisation will cease promoting study at Russian and Belarusian universities.