From Battlefield to Classroom
An Aberdeen-based neuroscientist has transitioned from serving on the front lines in Ukraine to focusing on education, believing that the future of his country will be shaped through learning as much as through conflict.
Sergiy Sylantyev, who was working at the Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, returned to his homeland to serve as a soldier in the Ukrainian army.
After his military service, Sylantyev, aged 50, resumed his scientific research in Aberdeen but is now preparing to return to Ukraine as part of a programme aimed at strengthening academic ties.
Background and Military Service
Born in the Odesa region of Ukraine, Sylantyev’s career eventually brought him to Aberdeen, where he was engaged in research when the invasion occurred.
Despite having no prior military experience, he travelled back to Ukraine, underwent combat training, and was deployed to the front lines.
During his time in the trenches, he continued his research even under mortar fire, motivated by the concern that his work might remain unpublished if he were killed.
Academic Contributions and New Role
Recently, Sylantyev was selected by The Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports to teach university students in Odesa. He was one of only ten individuals chosen for this initiative.
Reflecting on his experience, Sylantyev stated that the conflict had deeply altered his understanding of resilience and responsibility, and he welcomed the chance to contribute in a new capacity.
"Ukraine requires not only military support and humanitarian assistance, but also a long-term strategy for sustainability,"
he said.
Encouraging Academic Engagement Amid Conflict
Despite ongoing military hostilities, Sylantyev expressed optimism about the strong interest shown in the teaching programme.
He highlighted that the programme mandates the physical presence of participating scientists in Ukraine, which, given the risks of missile attacks and security concerns, might have deterred applicants. Instead, the scheme received approximately three times more applications than expected, necessitating an additional selection phase.
"One particularly striking aspect of this programme is that it requires the physical presence of participating scientists in Ukraine,"
he explained.
"In the context of ongoing missile attacks and security risks, this might have discouraged applicants. Instead, the programme received approximately three times more applications than anticipated, requiring an additional selection stage.
This demonstrates that many British academics are willing to support Ukraine not only symbolically, but through direct engagement."
Vision for Ukraine’s Sustainable Future
Sylantyev emphasized that true sustainability for Ukraine can only be achieved through deep and lasting integration with Europe, extending beyond economic and security policies.
He underscored the critical role universities play in fostering innovation and international collaboration.
"Collaborative teaching, joint research projects, student exchanges, and institutional partnerships are therefore not peripheral activities: they are strategic investments in Ukraine's future,"
he said.
"Science remains one of the most powerful instruments of resilience, and collaboration remains one of Europe's strongest commitments to Ukraine's future."
Recognition from the Rowett Institute
Professor Lora Heisler, deputy director of the Rowett Institute, described Sylantyev as an "outstanding scientist" whose dedication extends well beyond his laboratory work.
"His courage, integrity, and commitment to knowledge have been evident both in his research and in his service during the conflict,"
Heisler said.
"It is a privilege to see him now contributing his expertise to support Ukraine's academic community and future resilience."
Looking Ahead
Sylantyev concluded by emphasizing that Ukraine’s future will be shaped not only on the battlefield or in diplomatic arenas but also within academic settings.
"Ukraine's path will be shaped not only on battlefields or in diplomatic negotiations, but also in lecture halls, laboratories, and universities."
