We launched exactly two years ago. T-invariant aimed to be the voice of scientists who oppose the war and resist archaic mindsets. Since then, these outdated ideologies have increasingly gripped continents. We are painstakingly trying to find our own way to combat this. But in this search, it’s vital for us to know we’re not alone. We were delighted to receive birthday messages from our heroes, readers, and colleagues.
If you’d like to share congratulations, thoughts, or feedback on our work, you can do so via our Telegram bot or by email:
@invariant2023_bot
Economist, Professor, Doctor of Economic Sciences
— Your project is just two years old. But we live in times when a year feels like several, so it’s fair to say you’re celebrating, perhaps, a fifth anniversary. I’m delighted to congratulate you on this milestone. Your publications and streams have become a beacon of hope in the rather grim times that we, Russian-speaking scientists, have unexpectedly faced.
This beacon shines because you consistently manage to stay within the realm of intellectual discourse and tackle the challenges facing Russian researchers, both those who have left Russia and those who remain. This allows us — people with diverse scientific interests and from various academic traditions — to uphold the traditions of mutual respect and rigorous discussion of pressing issues, traditions that once defined the Russian-speaking scientific community and are now under severe strain from numerous pressures around us.
The Russian-speaking scientific community is likely destined to become increasingly dispersed across the globe, but I hope the connections among its members will endure and form the basis for collaborative, exciting projects. If T-invariant can help launch such initiatives, it will remain relevant and cherished by many for years to come.
That’s what I wish for you!
Top news on scientists’ work and experiences during the war, along with videos and infographics — subscribe to the T-invariant Telegram channel to stay updated.
Journalist, founder of The Bell and “This is Osetinskaya!”
— Since T-invariant’s inception, I’ve been a fan of your project. I admire the people behind this highly specialized yet profoundly important media outlet focused on science. You shed light on what’s hidden. I believe this is essential. I often read your unique articles and love your interviews with people who deserve to be celebrated. I’m thrilled to learn about Russian émigrés contributing global science. I hope your team finds optimism, funding, and talent to continue your work. You’re a vital media outlet — there’s no other like it. Long may you thrive!
— We greatly value your connections and ability to engage with scientists both in Russia and abroad. Navigating the criminal cases that have mushroomed alarmingly since the start of the major war [against Ukraine in 2022] is challenging without scientific expertise. T-invariant’s journalists produce excellent content on scientists’ persecution, clearly explaining researchers’ fields and breaking down accusations accessibly.
We also deeply appreciate the expertise of T-invariant’s journalists. Their commentary on scientific topics and colleagues’ advice often prove invaluable.
You’re doing incredible work, and your reputation speaks for itself. Thank you.
Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences
— Why do I find T-invariant compelling? Because it’s the best in its field. Writing thoughtfully about the current challenges facing Russian science is extremely difficult but vital, as the fate of the country hinges on what happens to science and its researchers, both collectively and individually. This is challenging due to the complexity of scientific topics (not all fields are easily explained to the public) and the broader context (an alarming situation in the country and around science specifically).
Few succeed in shouldering this responsibility without faltering under the pressure. T-invariant’s articles are a strong example of such success. They stand out for their thorough preparation, careful treatment of subjects (“do no harm”), and fidelity to truth (“do not distort”). The complete absence of chasing hype or clickbait is a rare quality, one that discerning readers — your core audience — should value.
I hope the outlet maintains these principles, and I’m confident it will. I wish you more reasons for uplifting stories and fewer for somber ones. Strength, success, and recognition!
Historian, Honored Teacher of the Russian Federation, Writer
— What a remarkable endeavor you’re undertaking!
In an era when people are constantly at odds, you bring together scientists and everyone passionate about science.
In an era when minds are clouded by propaganda, rampant superstitions, and the claims of pseudoscientific proponents, you champion the clarity of academic thought and rational thinking.
It might seem that amid political turmoil, this hardly matters. I’m convinced it matters immensely. You help us maintain a clear-eyed view of the world, untainted by today’s madness, which is the foundation for Russia’s future survival and renewal.
Thank you!
— T-invariant shares truly unique information with its audience: events unfolding in the modern scientific community. It also provides expert opinions on these events.
Through compelling and skillful presentation, popular science content transcends its niche and resonates with diverse audiences in Russia and beyond.
Echo is delighted to collaborate with the outlet: we publish T-invariant’s articles on our site, and our broadcasts feature their podcast “It’s Complicated”.
Thank you, and happy upcoming birthday! We wish you prosperity, broader audience reach, and more compelling content.
Literary Scholar, Writer, Publicist
Science isn’t just about labs, technological infrastructure, funding, or even grand ideas. Science is a unique form of communication, a network of networks, a community.
Yes, it’s divided by professional fields, competitive and intense, but a community nonetheless. Without an understanding of what drives colleagues in adjacent fields, one’s own trajectory stalls. Where the sense that scientists shape the world — not only through discoveries but also through their personalities and perspectives — fades, the scientific world ceases to exist. You stitch this community together, fostering horizontal connections within it and creating a supportive environment where scientific activity can thrive. May it always be so.
Astrophysicist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Expert opinions must be credible and independent. T-invariant adheres to this principle, inviting scientists to comment on a wide range of pressing issues. The topics span from classic popular science to acute social and political challenges. Understandably, scientists in Russia face greater constraints in discussing political matters. It would be valuable to broaden the range of perspectives by including not only Russian scientists abroad but also international colleagues. This would offer fresh angles on problems and potential solutions, while also showing that many issues are not unique, helping avoid reinventing the wheel.
Physicist, Science Communicator
In the scientific community where I grew up, discussing politics was frowned upon, as if we shouldn’t stoop to such “dirty” matters and should focus solely on something fundamentally good for all. Among science journalists, this was avoided in public, often out of fear of harming themselves, their institutes, or media. I remember joining a large chat for science communicators in mid-2022, where the main rule was to avoid political discussions. I wanted to shout, “Friends, the Titanic is sinking! Stop picking the next foxtrot and let’s do something about it together!”
That’s why I was thrilled when T-invariant emerged—a media outlet not just focused on science but also on the processes surrounding science and scientists. Beyond its educational mission, it achieves another crucial goal: destigmatizing political discussions in scientific circles and encouraging scientists to engage in them.
Happy birthday, friends! Wishing you every success 🤍
Up-to-date videos on science during wartime, interviews, podcasts, and streams with prominent scientists — subscribe to the T-invariant YouTube channel!
Political Scientist, Journalist, Writer
— In an era of resurgent archaic thinking, T-invariant continues to champion reason, scientific knowledge, and critical thinking. This mission makes it both an opposition and an antidote to prevailing obscurantism. Its educational role is simultaneously political and ethical. Congratulations on your birthday, and may you continue to preserve this vital niche.
Literary Scholar, Historian of Literature
— I congratulate the wonderful T-invariant project on its second anniversary and express deep gratitude to everyone involved for providing a platform to speak freely, without censorship or self-censorship. For those of us who have left Russia and are persecuted by the criminal Putin regime, this opportunity is a precious gift. Cheers, and here’s to 120 years — or at least 20 for now!