The UK’s cancer research centre has apologized to a student for saying that her PhD application was rejected due to Russian origin.
AlisaIakupova, student from Glasgow, posted on Tuesday, that her friend was denied a PhD at Beatson Institute for Cancer Research.
Iakupova uploaded a screenshot of the response she received from the institute. “I am afraid that I have to withdraw my offer. I have just been told that very recently Beatson has established a new policy upon which I am unable to appoint you because you are Russian.”
The letter did not elaborate on Beatson’s decision-making process but went on to say: “I find it so unfair that what is going on in Russia affects very talented young scientists like you.”
The letter apparently alluded to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, which prompted many countries, including the UK, to impose sweeping sanctions on Moscow, and many Western institutions to abruptly cut ties with Russia.
Owen Sansom (Director Beatson) released a statement saying that the Institute is in good standing. “does not have a policy of declining any applications from Russian students on the basis of their nationality.”He said that each application is considered in a unique manner.
This case involved a misinterpretation of the restrictions. It has now been resolved. We apologize for any discomfort caused and have reached out to the applicants involved. This issue will not happen again. We have been reviewing internal processes to avoid it from happening again.
“I hope this will serve as an example for other institutes if they decide to suddenly change their mind on hiring people of a certain nationality,” Iakupova said in response to Sansom’s statement.
Another similar incident happened at University of West London (UWL) in May. It was accused of rejecting an application for a masters program from a Russian-speaking woman. “recent events and [the] situation in Ukraine.”According to the university, “an internal miscommunication”I was responsible and I apologize to the applicant.
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