"Science, Art & Peace" Awards

The return of War in Europe

February 24, 2022, marked the return of war in Europe. The Royal Academy of Belgium has firmly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It has expressed its strong solidarity with Ukrainian scholars and artists, as well as with Russian scholars and artists who have condemned this war. The Royal Academy has also pledged its support to the Union académique internationale (UAI) and the Alliance of European Academies (ALLEA), that have condemned the war in Ukraine categorically. Furthermore, the Royal Academy would like to stress the necessity of maintaining a collegial bond with dissident Russian scientists and artists who are still in their country, in order to ensure that they are not further isolated.

Our collective attitude towards this war is fundamental because this is the future of peace in Europe, if not in the world, that is currently at stake. This exceptional situation justifies the mobilization of the Academy's intellectual and financial resources in support of the moral values it has always championed moral values it has always championed (academic freedom, independence of science from political powers, international scientific and artistic collaboration, etc.).

Four Special "Science, Art & Peace" Awards

The Royal Academy of Belgium has announced the creation of four special awards for scholars or artists from Ukraine, who have been directly affected by the war, or from Russia, who have expressed their opposition to the invasion of Ukraine. The purpose of these special awards is to provide these scholars and artists with the best possible material, intellectual and human conditions to pursue their activities.

Amount

Each Award is worth € 20,000.

An Award does not constitute a salary and may be combined with other sources of income.

The Academy may also help the recipients and their families to find suitable accommodation.

The amount of the Award will be paid through a one-lump transfer to the recipient, who will be free to use it as he or she sees fit.

Affiliations

The awarded scholars and artists will have to be officially affiliated to the Royal Academy of Belgium or to another scientific or cultural institution of Wallonia Brussels Federation.

Recipients will be encouraged to be involved on a long-term basis in the work of the Steering Committee of the Academic Committee for Sustainable Peace established at the Royal Academy.

Language courses

Thanks to the initiative launched by the Alliance française in Brussels, recipients will have the possibility to take French language courses.

Administrative procedures

Recipients will be assisted in their administrative procedures with the relevant Belgian authorities, in order to obtain a residence permit in Belgium.

Eligibility

These special awards are dedicated to scholars or artists from Ukraine, who have been directly affected by the war, or from Russia, who have expressed their opposition to the invasion of Ukraine