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Bridging Continents and Species: S4S Ukrainian Bat Scientists Bring New Insights to Panama's Rainforest

To celebrate #BatWeek (24-31 October 2024), the Smithsonian Magazine featured this inspiring story of bridging science across continents.

Discover how the Scientists for Scientists (S4S) initiative has brought Ukrainian bat biologists to Panama in the Smithsonian Magazine article titled 'Scientists for Scientists' Wartime Grant Brings Ukrainian Bat Biologists to Panama

As evening descends over the dense rainforest of Panama's Barro Colorado Island, a dedicated team of scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute readies for a unique mission: catching Neotropical bats to study their behavior and adaptations. Among them are two Ukrainian researchers, Maryna Yerofeieva and Kseniia Kravchenko, from the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center.

Supported by the Scientists for Scientists (S4S) initiative of the Human Frontiers in Science Program (HFSP), Maryna and Kseniia's journey from Kharkiv to Panama brings an invaluable perspective to this research field. In Ukraine, these scientists are no strangers to environmental challenges; their work at the Bat Rehabilitation Center involves everything from bat rescues in urban environments to conserving bat populations threatened by habitat loss and the tragic impacts of war.

In Panama, they're exploring a whole new bat landscape. While European bats primarily feast on insects, Panama's bats have a broader diet, enjoying fruit, nectar, and even the occasional frog. The diversity here is immense—with over 120 species, compared to the 50 found in Europe. This difference creates rich ground for scientific discovery, as these researchers investigate bat behaviors like self-medication, where animals may consume specific plants or minerals to fight infection or illness.

HFSP's Scientists for Scientists initiative, with significant support from the European Commission, has been a beacon of opportunity, connecting Ukrainian researchers with international laboratories and institutions. This collaborative effort extends beyond science, emphasizing solidarity and shared knowledge, allowing scientists like Maryna and Kseniia to continue their work despite the hardships back home.

As they conduct field surveys and study Panama's remarkable bat diversity, Maryna and Kseniia are not just advancing our understanding of these species but embodying a spirit of resilience and international collaboration that echoes HFSP's mission to break down barriers in life sciences. Their work is a testament to science without borders, united by curiosity and a shared goal to protect our natural world.