Saleha Bayat Building, American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), Kabul.
Over 350 scientists from the National Research Council (CNR) have signed an open letter to their President, Maria Chiara Carrozza, asking her to take actions to help Afghani scientists, and particularly women students and researchers, who are more at risk under the Taliban regime.
In the letter, they are asking to work with the Italian government in order to “implement humanitarian corridors from Afghan universities and research centers towards our country, to grant hospitality for students and researchers, particularly females, who wish to complete their research and studies in our institution”.
The letter notes that “due to its multidisciplinary nature, the CNR is the only national research organization that can integrate scientists and scholars in all disciplines, both directly and through its numerous collaborations with other Italian research centers and Universities”.
CNR scientists also suggest that their institute could promote and lead international scientific projects “of historical, cultural and social interest for Afghanistan, particularly for the study of the female condition in the country,” and mention the key role that CNR has had in the reconstruction of the virtual museum in Baghdad after the war in Iraq. The letter was turned into an online petition that has received more than 6,000 signatures to date.
“I am already in contact with the Ministry for University and Research, that is evaluating the possible actions in this delicate international context, " Carrozza told Nature Italy through a spokesperson. "Of course, CNR is paying attention and wants to offer its contribution”.
