In April 2024, the Faculty of Medicine (MED) announced funding to stimulate academic development and research on the consequences of the war in Ukraine. The thematic area of the projects is the physical and mental health of people living in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in Norway.
The funding is to be used for research, academic collaboration and academic meetings. The projects will involve and support Ukrainian researchers in Ukraine and in Norway.
“Ukraine has a strong need for expertise within the fields of medicine and health sciences and, through this initiative, we are aiming to stimulate our academic environments to carry out appropriate projects in order to support Ukrainians at war. Last year, we highlighted our commitment through the seminar entitled “Health for Ukraine”. This year, we have continued the scheme to provide support for four selected projects,” says Vice-Dean Grete Dyb.
The following four projects have been supported:
Specialised rehabilitation for Ukrainian citizens
Professor Frank Becker has received NOK 240,000: The main aim of this project (the Medvac programme) is to study the results and experiences of specialised rehabilitation of Ukrainian citizens, from the perspective of both patients and healthcare workers.
Mental health and addiction research in wartime
Professor Thomas Clausen has received NOK 480,000: The aim of this project is to continue to strengthen the knowledge and competence of young researchers within the field of mental health and addiction, and to help them carry out their projects in Ukraine. The long-term goal is to strengthen clinical research and clinical practice in Ukraine.
Maintaining care for stroke patients during the war in Ukraine
Researcher Else Charlotte Sandset has received NOK 460,000: The aim of this project is to strengthen the knowledge and expertise of Ukrainian stroke experts by including them in academic communities with international professionals and learning from these communities. Activities include scientific meetings in Ukraine and hosting Ukrainian doctors and nurses in Norway. The aim is to improve stroke treatment in Ukraine, and reduce the social and economic burden of strokes in Ukraine.
Project RESQ
Professor Suraj Thapa has received NOK 500,000. A cross-national research network will be set up to develop the questionnaire for the screening of refugees (RESQ) in order to assess mental health issues and unmet health needs. The project is aimed at children and adolescents affected by the war in Ukraine who live in Norway as an internally displaced person or refugee.
The application process
Four applications were submitted to the faculty by the 24 April deadline. All the applications were ranked by the department management team and then peer-reviewed by the Office of the Dean. All applicants were awarded funding. The following criteria were taken into account:
- Thematic area – Physical and mental health of Ukrainian war victims
- Feasibility
- Feasible in 2024
- Established collaboration