Wartime resilience through science: An interview with Alla Yemets#
Dr Alla Yemets MAE discusses the role of biotechnology in Ukraine’s recovery, the resilience of its scientific community, and the urgent need to support research during conflict.
About Alla Yemets#
Dr Alla Yemets MAE is a Ukrainian biologist specialising in cell biology and molecular biotechnology. She currently serves as the Head of the Department of Cell Biology and Biotechnology at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
. Her research focuses on plant biotechnology, genetic engineering, and nanobiotechnology, with applications in agriculture and biomedical research.
She has received several prestigious awards in recognition of her contributions to scientific research, including the 2020 Honoured Fellow of Science and Technology of Ukraine and the 2012 State Prize of Ukraine for Science and Technology.
Elected to the Academia Europaea in 2024, she continues to play a key role in advancing plant cell biology and biotechnology research in Ukraine. She lives in Ukraine with her husband, Yaroslav Blume – also a Member of Academia Europaea- and their two children.
Read the interview#
How can the global scientific community best support Ukrainian researchers? Have any international collaborations been particularly valuable to your work?
Many universities and research groups offered immediate support to Ukrainian scientists who left the country, providing opportunities to join their existing projects. Special calls were organised for Ukrainian scientists, such as projects under Horizon Europe, MSC4Ukraine, EURIZON, and others.
Within the framework of these projects, scientists who left Ukraine were able to continue their scientific work without interruption, while those who remained in the country gained opportunities for additional research funding, international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and receiving modern equipment. This solidarity- from colleagues, grant agencies and other funding bodies- has been of immense value to Ukrainian scientists in this most difficult time in Ukraine’s history. It lifts our spirits and gives us strength and faith in our struggle.
Of particular value to Ukrainian scientists has been the opportunity provided by several publishing houses (such as SpringerNature, Elsevier and Wiley) to publish research results free of charge in open access journals. This increases the visibility and recognition of Ukrainian scientists within the international scientific community, as well as providing opportunities for subsequent collaboration. We are immensely grateful for this important initiative and the support it provides.”
Given the resilience of Ukrainian scientists, do you think the global perception of Ukraine’s research community has changed since the war began?
To escape this terrible reality, we work even harder. We help those in need and support each other, because this is the only way to distract ourselves from the pain and fear of war. The heroism of our military and the resilience of our people truly deserve respect. Many thanks to all those who understand this and continue to support us.”
What advice would you give to young Ukrainian scientists who are trying to pursue their careers in such uncertain times?
However, the work of those who continue to do science is no less important. Maintaining our scientific potential and training scientific personnel are essential for Ukraine’s reconstruction and the future of our economy after the war ends.
So, my advice is this: sooner or later, the war will end- and your lives, the well-being of our people and the prosperity of our country will be in your hands. There is no easy path, whether on the battlefield, or in the laboratory. Work honestly and with devotion. Dream, believe in yourself, do not fear difficulties, and remain true to yourself under all circumstances. If you fall, get up and keep going. And always remember: good will triumph over evil.”
Looking ahead, how do you see biotechnology contributing to Ukraine’s rebuilding process, particularly in agriculture and medicine?
Ukraine is one of the world’s key players in agriculture, so biotechnology can significantly enhance its post-war recovery and productivity. One of the main problems is restoring soils contaminated by military activity. The research and development of innovative biotechnological approaches – using microorganisms or plants- can help restore agricultural land damaged by explosives, chemicals and heavy metals.
For sustainable agriculture in the face of persistent environmental problems, biotechnology can enhance crop resistance to drought and high temperatures. The use of biofertilisers and biopesticides could reduce dependence on imported agrochemicals and improve environmental sustainability, which will help restore and even improve pre-war crop yields.
In addition, the war has caused many casualties among the military and civilian population, and continues to negatively impact the health of Ukrainians. Advanced biotechnological technologies in therapy and regenerative medicine, such as tissue engineering, can aid in the recovery of wounded soldiers and civilians with complex injuries. Investments in biotechnology infrastructure and innovations would allow Ukraine to domestically produce critical biopreparations and portable diagnostic tools such as rapid DNA tests, sensors, and lab-on-a-chip devices. This would reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and improve the provision of medical services in remote or affected areas.
And, of course, a separate and urgent topic is the restoration of citizen’s mental health. Biotechnological innovations in neurology and pharmacology can contribute to the development of effective and affordable treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological conditions associated with war.”
About our ‘We stand with Ukraine’ campaign#
This is the latest in the Ukraine Interview Series, part of the Academia Europaea We Stand with Ukraine campaign.
.For further information please contact AECardiffHub@cardiff.ac.uk
.
