It has been four years since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. The researchers who have persisted continue to exemplify extraordinary resilience and adaptability while managing the emotional and physical challenges of enduring a conflict. Research persists despite regular power cuts, frigid temperatures, compromised infrastructure, and reduced teams as friends and colleagues enlist in the military or pursue safer job opportunities.
The circumstances differ significantly from one city to another, according to Vitalii Palchykov, director of the Research Institute of Chemistry and Geology at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, who is presently on a Fulbright Scholarship in the United States. Scientific conditions are more favorable in Kyiv and Lviv compared to Dnipro, Kharkiv, or Odesa. Universities in areas closer to the frontline, for instance, conduct most lectures online, although practical courses often necessitate in-person attendance by students, notwithstanding the associated risks.
Anastasia Sachko, head of the chemistry department at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (YFCNU) in western Ukraine, is situated away from the frontline. ‘For researchers who are able to continue at their home institutions, face-to-face teaching is still feasible, although highly limited,’ she states. ‘There are ongoing air-raid sirens. Students and faculty must evacuate immediately, often leaving experiments mid-process, and seek shelter.’ There are also frequent bomb threats and false alarms, prompting evacuations and inspections of buildings.
Power outages hinder laboratories as temperatures plummet
Yet, power cuts are the primary hindrance to research. ‘In the last six weeks, we’ve experienced around 4½ hours of electricity daily, typically provided in segments of about 1½ hours,’ states Sachko. This often results in inadequate heating in university facilities, causing lab temperatures to drop to 4–8°C.
Power rationing is enforced, but even so, supply disruptions due to emergency shutdowns are common, notes Yuriy Khalavka, a chemist and vice-rector for research at YFCNU. ‘We attempt to utilize backup [generators] to safeguard and maintain power to critical instruments. Additionally, we’ve modified our lab protocols to depend more on gas burners and self-contained, battery-operated devices (pH meters, scales, and even spectrometers)… However, equipment such as fume hoods, pumps, and ovens cannot be supported by portable solutions, prompting some universities to initiate the installation of extra solar power systems.’
Palchykov mentions that his university has procured several electricity generators to supply critical facilities requiring a steady electrical source. ‘[However], these generators do not meet all our requirements, and the costs associated with fuel and maintenance are significant. The situation deteriorated significantly in autumn 2025, with power often restricted to 4–6 hours a day and extended interruptions. These limitations hinder the functioning of essential devices in my lab, such as the gas chromatograph, making our work exceedingly challenging.’
Sachko’s research has similarly been greatly impacted. She specializes in atomic absorption spectroscopy, and for the past six weeks, she has been unable to conduct procedures that necessitate the fume hood ventilation system and microwave digestion unit, as these need to function continuously for six hours. Additionally, she’s unable to utilize equipment that has high energy requirements, such as muffle furnaces and compressors.
However, people have adjusted, asserts Palchykov. ‘My colleagues in other cities and I strive to collaborate on joint projects, allocating tasks accordingly: some have access to NMR spectrometers, while others have well-appointed synthetic labs or chemical databases. Occasionally, we may prioritize drafting review articles over carrying out experimental research.’
Regarding remote work, many individuals simply cannot, according to Sachko. ‘In many residences, the temperature is often around 12–14°C, making it tough to stay warm and be productive.’
Like Palchykov, she emphasizes the significance of collaboration. ‘We have never been as interconnected with universities in other cities [as we are now] and are willing to offer access to our facilities for researchers [in need]. Colleagues from Kharkiv and Odesa have utilized our labs.’
Kharkiv is located approximately 30km from the Russian frontier and 25km from the frontline. ‘Every day and night for four years, Kharkiv has faced shelling,’ reveals Valentyn Chebanov, director of the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry in Kharkiv. ‘We’ve installed powerful diesel generators, ensuring that all scientific instruments, servers, and computers are linked to [uninterruptible power systems]. We also have our own clean water well. Our institute holds strategic importance, which is why power outages occur far less frequently.’
Despite all challenges, work perseveres. ‘Since 2022, nearly 30 young scientists have joined us,’ he mentions.