Science and research ‘are dead’ in Afghanistan
Afghan researchers and scholars flee or go into hiding as the Taliban’s return to power sees the science academy and universities closed
A mass exodus of scientists and scholars from Afghanistan has followed the Taliban’s return to power last month. Chaos ensued when the Islamic nationalist movement established its authority over the nation’s higher education system but did not put in place a functioning government until 7 September. It is a hardline interim government comprised of entirely male senior Taliban members.
Amid fears about their personal safety and the country’s future, professors, researchers and students who have not been able to flee Afghanistan remain in hiding in the country, including two senior directors in the former government who spoke to Chemistry World on condition of anonymity.