While sanctions in political and economic areas are now part of the standard reper- toire of Western countries (not always endorsed by UN mandates), sanctions in science and culture in general are new. Historically, fundamental research as conducted at in- ternational research centers such as CERN has long been seen as a driver for peace, and the Science4Peace idea has been celebrated for decades. However, much changed with the war against Ukraine, and most Western science organizations put scientific coopera- tion with Russia and Belarus on hold immediately after the start of the war in 2022. In addition, common publications and participation in conferences were banned by some institutions, going against the ideal of free scientific exchange and communication.

These and other points were the topics of an international virtual panel discussion organized by the Science4Peace Forum together with the Natural Scientists Initiative - Responsibility for Peace and Sustainability (NatWiss e.V.) [1] in Germany and the journal Wissenschaft und Frieden (W&F) [2] (see the Figure). Fellows from the Hamburg Insti- tute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) [3], scientists collaborating with the large physics research institutes DESY and CERN, as well as from climate and futures researchers were represented on the panel.

In this Dossier we document the panel discussion, and give additional perspectives.