Shelter For Science

• Photographer
  Oleksandr Osipov
• Agency / Studio
  Freelancer
• Photo Date
  May 11, 2022

The Institute for Scintillation Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kharkiv is a leading center for developing scintillation materials that emit light when exposed to radiation. In 2022, ISMA, like other places in Kharkiv, faced heavy shelling by Russian forces, damaging equipment and destroying some experimental samples. Despite this, in spring 2022, the building served as a bomb shelter for civilians, and crystal growth facilities were relocated to safe locations underground, and most equipment is now operational, marking a new chapter in scintillator development.

Oleksandr Osipov (1985) is a Ukrainian reportage photographer based in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Started career in 2009 in sports reportage: FC Metalist Kharkiv as a staff photographer, UEFA and FIBA as a freelancer. Expanded activity in photojournalism highlighting arts, social events, Russia's war against Ukraine. Worked as a stringer for Reuters, EPA. Became internationally known in March 2022 with "In the Streets of Kharkiv" video series – performances of cellist Denys Karachevtsev playing Bach in the ruined streets of Kharkiv. The project received huge coverage on social media and TV.