Breakthrough Prize Foundation announces $3m donation in support of scientists forced to flee Ukraine

March 14, 2022

As the terrible war in Ukraine continues, with casualties and atrocities mounting, the
Breakthrough Prize Foundation strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its
unprovoked and brutal assaults against the civilian population.

People and organizations around the world have rallied behind the Ukrainian people, providing
refuge and resources to alleviate their suffering. As part of that effort, the Breakthrough Prize
Foundation recently donated $3 million to an international relief organization to help the victims
of the conflict. And the Breakthrough Prize laureates have spoken out with an open letter
published on the Foundation’s website. We wholeheartedly endorse their stand in solidarity

with the people of Ukraine in support of their unqualified right to peace, security, and self-
determination.

Among the many innocent people whom this war is robbing of their lives and livelihoods are
members of Ukraine’s scientific community. Cities housing top universities are under attack,
with tragic consequences. On March 8 it was reported that Yuliia Zdanovska, the 21-year-old
who had helped Ukraine’s team win the silver medal in the European Girls’ Mathematical
Olympiad, was killed while helping other civilians during the bombardment of Kharkiv.

The world desperately needs such people and their ideas. Therefore, the Foundation today
pledges a further $3 million in funding to support physicists, life scientists and mathematicians
who have been forced to flee from Ukraine. We hope that this donation will help talented
researchers contribute to human knowledge in such dark times.

The Breakthrough Prize Foundation stands together with the Ukrainian people, its scientists and
their families.

S. Pete Worden

Chairman
Breakthrough Prize Foundation