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.
Standing with Ukraine
Following the invasion and subsequent escalation of aggression by Russian armed forces, a humanitarian crisis has been unfolding in Ukraine, an Associate Member State of CERN. CERN wishes to express solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues, their families and the entire Ukrainian people. Our thoughts are with everyone whose life has been disrupted by the war.
Discussions began among CERN Council delegations concerning the appropriate measures that the Organization should take. As these discussions advanced, an extraordinary meeting of the CERN Council was called by the President of Council on Tuesday 8 March during which a Resolution was adopted.
The main points of the Council’s Resolution are:
- the strong condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine,
- that Russia’s Observer status to the Council is suspended
- and that new collaborations with Russian institutes will not be undertaken.
Collaboration between CERN and the Russian scientific community on ongoing projects is maintained, for the time being. CERN will continue to promote initiatives to support Ukrainian scientists and Ukrainian scientific activity in the field of high-energy physics. A summary of the main conclusions was published here.
Taking action
Since the invasion on 24 February, several actions have already been initiated by the Organization to support employed and associated members of personnel of Ukrainian nationality and their families:
- CERN's Human Resources department has contacted 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 is raising funds that will be sent directly to the Office of the International Red Cross in Ukraine. These funds will help meet the immediate needs of the population, including emergency medical care, psychological support, blood donation, and the distribution of food, drink, and other essential items. The CERN Directorate will match, from the CERN budget, donations made by the personnel. The CERN Staff Association will also contribute financially to the collection.
Initiatives of many members of the personnel are also important demonstrations of CERN solidarity and community spirit. The Solidarity with Ukraine webpage will be updated as new initiatives take place.