European Organization for Nuclear Research Set to Expel Hundreds of Russian Scientists

CERN, the European particle-physics organization that operates the Large Hadron Collider, is set to expel hundreds of scientists affiliated with Russia from its facilities. This decision follows the organization’s move to cut ties with Moscow after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, effectively ending nearly six decades of collaboration. Although Russia was never a full member of CERN, it had worked closely with the institution on nuclear physics projects.

Scientists linked to Belarusian institutions have already had their contracts terminated in July, and those affiliated with Russian institutions will lose their access and residency permits by December.

Despite this, CERN will continue to maintain relations with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, an intergovernmental research center located near Moscow. This decision has sparked controversy among some researchers.

Many Western governments urged their scientific institutions to sever ties with Russian counterparts following the invasion, leading to a significant reduction in collaboration between Moscow and the West.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerns about sanctions, visa restrictions, travel difficulties, and a significant exodus of academics, have compelled Russia to withdraw from the global scientific dialogue, according to the trade publication Science Business.