The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, has announced a planned reduction in collaboration with researchers tied to Russian institutions. By late November, cooperation with roughly 500 experts will end, according to an official CERN spokesperson. The organization noted that only a small number of users are currently affiliated with any Russian organization, and the majority of those individuals do not reside in Switzerland.
The suspension of the cooperation agreement is set to take effect on November 30 of the year in question. CERN also clarified that it does not receive funding from Russia and is preparing for other groups to participate in activities related to the Large Hadron Collider in the future, maintaining openness to new collaborations as circumstances evolve.
There has been media coverage suggesting that disagreements arose because some scientists prefer not to list their Russian counterparts as co-authors on certain scientific publications. This perspective has been reported by major outlets as part of the broader context surrounding CERN and its international partners [Citation: Guardian report].
Earlier developments related to CERN’s operations included a decision to pause some activities at the Large Hadron Collider, a move taken to address energy safety considerations and potential power supply risks. The aim was to optimize energy usage while continuing essential research when feasible, a balancing act that many large-scale scientific projects face in today’s environment.
In related news, there have been broader discussions involving national defense and energy sectors in Europe, including collaboration efforts to manage material and substances associated with sensitive research. These discussions reflect the ongoing tension between scientific advancement, security considerations, and energy management in a rapidly changing global landscape.
As CERN navigates these complex dynamics, the organization emphasizes its commitment to advancing fundamental physics while adapting to geopolitical and energy-related realities. The goal remains to enable high-impact research at the Large Hadron Collider and to invite participants from a wide range of institutions as circumstances allow, ensuring long-term viability and continued scientific leadership in particle physics.