CERN was established in the aftermath of World War II to bring nations and people together for the peaceful pursuit of science: aggression and war run counter to everything that the Organization stands for.
CERN will continue to uphold its core values of scientific collaboration across borders as a driver for peace.
CERN Council decides to conclude cooperation with Russia and Belarus in 2024
At its December 2023 meeting, the CERN Council decided that the Organization’s cooperation with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus will conclude at the expiry in 2024 of the International Cooperation Agreements (ICAs) with the two countries. This decision was taken following the Council’s June 2022 decisions and measures adopted at an extraordinary meeting of the Council on 8 March 2022, and at the Council’s regular meeting on 25 March 2022.
CERN will continue to promote initiatives to support Ukrainian scientists and Ukrainian scientific activity in the field of high-energy physics.
Standing with Ukraine
At its June 2022 meeting, the CERN Council decided to terminate the international cooperation agreements with Russia and Belarus at their expiration dates and review future cooperation with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). The situation will continue to be monitored carefully and the Council stands ready to take any further decision in the light of developments in Ukraine. These measures follow those adopted at an extraordinary meeting of the Council on 8 March 2022, and at the Council’s regular meeting on 25 March 2022.
The Council also agreed to waive the outstanding financial contribution of Ukraine to CERN for 2022, with Member States agreeing to increase their contributions to cover that of Ukraine.
CERN will continue to promote initiatives to support Ukrainian scientists and Ukrainian scientific activity in the field of high-energy physics.
Taking action
Since the invasion on 24 February 2022, several actions have been initiated by the Organization to support employed and associated members of personnel of Ukrainian nationality and their families:
- CERN's Human Resources department providing Ukrainian members of personnel to provide them with material assistance and psychological support. Members of the CERN community can also reach out for help through existing support channels.
- The CERN community raised 820 000 Swiss francs for the Red Cross’s operations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries as part of its March 2022 campaign. The CERN Directorate matched, from the CERN budget, donations made by the personnel. The CERN Staff Association also contributed financially to the collection.
- CERN published "Science for Ukraine: training and work opportunities for Ukrainian nationals" on the careers website.
- CERN published opportunities to work on remote projects within Ukraine
Initiatives of many members of the personnel are also important demonstrations of CERN solidarity and community spirit. These initiatives have been wide-reaching, with a dedicated Mattermost channel (CERN login required) for people to exchange ideas, take action and offer support.
CERN’s Theoretical Physics department is showcasing initiatives from the scientific community, and the CERN Users Office also has useful information and links.
This page was first published on 8 March 2022 and last updated in July 2023.