The cost to rebuild the scientific infrastructure destroyed during the first two years of Russia’s war with Ukraine will cost more than an estimated $1 billion, UNESCO reported Monday.
UNESCO reported that 1,443 buildings and labs owned by 177 universities and organizations have been demolished or damaged by the war, and 750 parts of equipment used in a wide range of research activities were damaged, many beyond repair. The cost to restore the essential equipment is $45.9 million.
An analysis of the effects on the country revealed that an estimated $1.26 billion is needed to help the scientific institutions recover. That includes $980 million allocated toward universities that conduct 52% of public research.
“As the situation becomes more and more critical for the scientific community, we must protect and support their research in Ukraine,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said. “Scientists, engineers, and other experts will be essential to the country’s recovery.”
Ukraine has been internationally known for its contributions to nuclear physics, computer science, and astronomy.
An increase in unemployment due to deteriorating state budgets and a decrease in funding for research and foreign partnerships are key factors reducing scientific productivity at both national and international levels.
Another concern for scientists and the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants is that the critical equipment needed to monitor the nuclear industry has been stolen or damaged at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, posing a safety threat to the country and beyond, according to the report.
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Before the war began, Ukraine employed 88,629 scientists. More than 10,000 of them who work in the public sector have been displaced. Fifty-three countries are hosting displaced scientists, including more than 5,500 who have migrated to Germany and Poland. More than 1,500 scientists have volunteered for combat duty, according to the United Nations.
In February, UNESCO estimated that Ukraine’s culture and tourism industry lost more than $19 billion in revenue. Kyiv and 341 cultural sites have been destroyed. To rebuild its tourism industry, Ukraine will need almost $9 billion over the next 10 years.
