The path to security
"I miss hiking in the Khibiny mountains with my friends every spring. They're very pretty – like a snow capped version of the Peak District."
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Life before Cara
Before leaving Russia, Ivan had a successful research career in theoretical physics, having worked his way up to Principal Investigator at a world-renowned research institute.
He specialised in condensed matter physics, with a focus on fundamental and applied research of quantum materials and devices.
“I was dedicated to my research and was also teaching at three other institutions in the city – I was very busy, but I loved it."
Leaving home
“I’m old enough to remember what the Soviet Union was like. So, I was optimistic after its dissolution when people started travelling and communicating with the rest of the world. It created lots of exciting global connections, especially for research.”
His optimism was short-lived, and Ivan soon felt that modern Russia was reverting towards the Soviet politics of the past.
“I knew in 2014, with the annexation of Crimea, that this wasn’t the kind of place I wanted to raise my family. By 2022, when the war really got started, the decision was clear-cut. I knew my values could get me in trouble, and I knew we needed to flee.”
One day, while working as a visiting professor in Finland, Ivan made the decision not to return to Russia.
A new future
Three years on from receiving his Cara Fellowship, Ivan has secured a Global Talent Visa and is enjoying a successful academic career at The University of Manchester.
“I’m now a member of one of the leading research groups in the field, which is so exciting. The level here is really high, so I’m learning a lot, developing my knowledge further and producing some great publications.”
Taking the next steps
“In recent years, international research ties with Russian universities have been cut. Collaborations are moving away from Europe and the US, to countries that have a similar political agenda, and you don’t see Russian scientists at international conferences anymore. Russia is isolating itself, which is scary if you don’t believe in a certain ideology.”
Cara has given Ivan and his family the freedom to be themselves, stand up for what they believe in, and speak freely, without fear of persecution or arrest. For now, they are safe in Manchester, but Ivan still feels anxious about the future.
“Talking about the future makes me feel stressed because there is no long-term plan at the moment. But the Cara Fellowship has been life-changing. It has set me and my family on the path to security and made me feel more optimistic about what is to come.”