- The University of Sheffield has announced a new scheme which will allow academics fleeing war or persecution in their home country to come to Sheffield so that they can continue their research in a safe environment
- The scheme will provide financial support, help finding suitable housing and offer successful applicants an academic mentor
- The University has also announced that refugees and asylum seekers who are receiving support from ASSIST Sheffield can access University sports facilities for free
The University of Sheffield is providing further support by launching a scheme for academics to continue their research in Sheffield if they have been displaced or affected by conflict or persecution in their home country.
The new scheme - Sanctuary International Visitors Support Scheme - will initially provide funding for three researchers to come to Sheffield for up to 12 months so that they can continue their work in a safe environment. It is open to any scholars around the world who are fleeing war and persecution in their home countries.
Academics who are successful will be granted 'visiting researcher' status and will receive financial support, help finding suitable accommodation and be offered an academic mentor to support their work at the University.
Dr Malcolm Butler, Director of Global Engagement at the University of Sheffield, said: "As a global university with strong civic values, we strive to support people whose lives have been disrupted by conflict or persecution. The Sanctuary International Visitors Support Scheme is the latest addition to the University's package of support for refugees which also includes scholarships, international partnerships and direct support for local communities in Sheffield.
"We look forward to welcoming new academics to join our diverse and inclusive Sheffield community, which is committed to global collaborations and the exchange of knowledge."
Applications for the Sanctuary International Visitors Support Scheme for academics are open now and close on 13 November 2022. More details can be found here.
In addition, the University of Sheffield's fitness department - Sport Sheffield - has announced that refugees and asylum seekers in Sheffield who are receiving support from ASSIST Sheffield can get free access to University sports facilities by presenting their ASSIST photo card at each venue reception.
Earlier this year, the University twinned with Ukrainian university Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) to provide resources and support for staff and students affected by the war in Ukraine. £20,000 has been donated to rebuild air raid shelters on KPI's campus. The University of Sheffield is also providing KPI access to key IT equipment, library facilities and other resources, as well as launching research collaborations and staff exchanges.
The University has also awarded nine sanctuary scholarships this year to students who have experienced war or persecution in their home countries. These scholarships have covered the full cost of tuition and provide a £9,840 award to support living costs for each year of study.
Additionally, four scholarships have been awarded to individuals who have sought refuge in the UK to improve their English skills by the University's English Language Teaching Centre.
You can find more information on the support that the University offers refugee students and scholars here.
