War has deteriorated Ukraine’s science sector

Russia's assault on Ukraine has deteriorated Ukraine's public research infrastructure. Since the war began in February 2022, the conflict has damaged or destroyed 1,443 science-related buildings and laboratories and over 750 pieces of essential scientific equipment, according to a new report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) . Repairing the damage will cost Ukraine $1.26 billion, a majority of which must go toward restoring universities, the report concludes. Universities are responsible for conducting 52% of the country's publicly funded research. In addition to causing infrastructure damage, the war has led to a diversion of scientific funding. Notably, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which conducts 48% of the country's public sector R&D, has had its budget halved by the government since 2021. The reduction has both forced the suspension of multiple research programs and hit the monthly salaries of National Academy employees. "Average monthly salaries