HoD News - 4 March 2022

Dear colleagues,

In this grave situation, I would like to direct all colleagues’ attention to the joint statement by the Danish universities condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As also communicated by the rector of Aarhus University, Brian Bech Nielsen, the Danish universities have decided to suspend all institutional scientific and educational collaborations with Russia and Belarus. This includes the exchange of university staff and students as well as participation in scientific conferences in Russia and Belarus.

By request from the AU Research Support, all AU departments have also been asked to inform the Research Support Office of any written research agreements with Russian or Belarusian institutions that have not already been registered by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Please contact your section head as soon as possible if this is the case.

The Danish authorities have also asked that the Danish universities increase the attention towards data and information security considering the recent developments. All AU employees are asked to show heightened awareness to safeguard our systems and valuable data. Please see AU’s website on information security and how you contribute to the information security at AU.

The ongoing events are worrying to all of us, also to our Russian colleagues at the department. As also mentioned by rector, it is important for me to stress that there is a clear distinction between the state of Russia and the citizens of Russia. Regardless of nationality, I ask that all colleagues show mutual respect in this difficult time.

Niels