The present study aimed to investigate the lived experience of faculty members of North Khorasan universities in facing scientific sanctions, exploring its dimensions and effects on researchers' activities, relationships, and adaptive strategies using a qualitative approach and grounded theory method. 15 people were selected as the study sample using purposive sampling and were examined through semi-structured interviews. Four main categories: access to resources, scientific isolation, emotional-psychological effects, and adaptive strategies were identified in relation to the phenomenon under study and showed that scientific sanctions have had numerous negative effects on access to scientific resources, international collaborations, and scientific production. However, some also pointed to opportunities such as: developing indigenous technologies and strengthening domestic capabilities and showed that sanctions, in addition to creating restrictions, can be a stimulus for innovation and scientific independence and turn threats into opportunities to shine in the international arena. research findings, confirming the views of Bourdieu, Foucault, and Habermas, emphasize the importance of the role of political structures in shaping scientific production and suggest that further research be conducted to examine the long-term effects of sanctions and appropriate institutional responses to reduce scientific isolation and maintain the principle of universality of science in the international arena.