The Helmholtz-Office Moscow

The Helmholtz Association strongly supports the Federal Government’s consistent action against Russia's attack on Ukraine, which is in violation of international law. We regard the Russian invasion as an attack on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and self-determination, which in turn provide the basis for academic freedom and opportunities for academic cooperation. Helmholtz will discuss further steps in this crisis situation in close consultation with the Alliance of Science Organisations as well as with the Federal Government and other political decision-makers.

At this time, it has been agreed with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that scientific partnerships with state institutions and commercial enterprises in Russia are to be brought to an immediate halt until further notice, that German research funds are no longer to be used for the benefit of Russia, and that joint scientific and research policy events will not take place. New cooperation projects are not to be initiated at present. 

For this reason, our solidarity also goes out to our employees at our office in Moscow as well as our long-standing Russian cooperation partners and scholars who are themselves horrified at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Helmholtz Association, diverse and united in its commitment to science, stands for peace and dialogue.

Helmholtz has maintained close and good relations with Russian science for many years. For example, we cooperate with Russian research institutions in the construction of large infrastructures, such as the particle accelerator FAIR in Darmstadt or the X-ray laser European XFEL in the Hamburg region.

The Helmholtz office in Moscow was opened in 2005. Since then, it has been expanding existing collaborations and new strategic networks. Our staff in Moscow organize events and visits, provide advice and support to networks and young researchers, for example through the Helmholtz-Russia Joint Research Groups program.

The Helmholtz Office promotes the transfer of new technologies and the mutual exchange of young scientific talent.