Science in times of war: reflections from Sudan

The war that erupted in Sudan on 15th April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) resulted in widespread destruction of national infrastructures, including the educational and research systems. Based on the personal experiences of the authors, this paper discussed the impact of the war on science and community of scientists who remained in Sudan during the war, including the resultant challenges, opportunities offered, and future perspectives. Clearly, the war brought about unquantifiable devastation on professional and personal lives of scientists; internal and external displacement and separation of scientists, colleagues, and families; loss of research and teaching resources; loss of jobs and financial instability; and host of negative psychological, emotional and social issues. Given that more than 10.4 million Sudanese were forcibly displaced, among them scientists, the educational system has been hampered. Available data indicate that in Khartoum State, 39% of governmental and 73% of non-governmental universities were occupied by RSF, whereas it was 10% of governmental and 8% of non-governmental universities in Gezira state. This contrasts with 3% of governmental and 5% of non-governmental university in South Darfur. Some universities and colleges were partially or completely damaged, while in some it was not possible to determine the damage. This has led to complete shutdown of the universities, forcing students to find expensive alternative ways to continue their education or abandon it altogether. Scientists and science in Sudan faced many challenges, which are difficult to overcome. While efforts to restore infrastructure and physical capital will be challenging, the social, psychological, and emotional devastation might be even more intricate. Revitalizing policies and international efforts are needed to support the recovery of the entire educational systems and research infrastructures, as well as the wellbeing of scientists.