A new research foundation will bring together international experts, including UNSW academics, to improve understanding of how war affects children, and how to better support recovery.
An international team of researchers has joined forces with experts in Ukraine to investigate the long-term impacts of war on children’s mental health and identify better ways to support those affected by conflict.
The Nadija Foundation, established in 2025 by five Scandinavian countries in partnership with Ukraine, aims to provide professional help as early as possible to reduce the long-term physical and mental consequences of war trauma.
As part of this, it has established the independent Nadija Research Foundation in collaboration with UNSW Sydney and the Universities of Zurich, Copenhagen, Linköping, Helsinki, Cambridge, the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University and the Ukrainian Catholic University.
The foundation plans to operate a new research centre of excellence in Lviv, in western Ukraine, focused on advancing research on the health consequences of armed conflict and developing more effective support for affected children and families. It will be funded exclusively through donations.
“Nadia means hope in Ukrainian,” said UNSW Scientia Professor and foundation researcher Richard Bryant. “We know from history that when war happens, the mental health effects and psychological trauma can last for decades, it can be intergenerational.”
“Even when peace is restored, these children will be affected, which is why we need to develop evidence-based programs now that can help mitigate some of the mental health problems they may face, programs that can offer hope.”
Foundation Chair Michael Schaepman, President of the University of Zurich, said the collaboration was committed to supporting the well-being of children in crisis regions and ensuring they benefit from the latest scientific knowledge.
“At the same time, we are helping Ukraine build its scientific and clinical capacities for the long term, despite shortages of specialists and damaged infrastructure,” he said.