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Ireland's application to join CERN accepted in principle

  • 19-02-2025 12:34PM
    #1
    Brief_Lives
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,657 ✭✭✭


    (wasn't sure where to put this, the physics sub-thread in "science health & environment" appears to be just about the leaving cert)

    https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0219/1497514-cern-membership/

    Ireland's application to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) has been accepted in principle, paving the way for the country to become an associate member in 2026.

    CERN is an intergovernmental organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world on the Franco-Swiss border, just outside Geneva.

    The main focus of activity in CERN is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27km underground ring in which protons are accelerated and collided into one another.

    Associate membership would allow Ireland’s researchers to participate in CERN’s scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN.

    Membership will also allow Ireland’s businesses to compete in CERN procurement programmes.

    Associate membership is expected to cost around €1.9 million a year, for an initial period of five years.

    Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless is visiting CERN today with a delegation that includes representatives from education, research and industry.

    "I am delighted to say that Ireland’s application is at an advanced stage and we are hoping to join in early 2026.

    "While CERN is world-renowned for its fundamental research in particle physics, there are cutting-edge activities across many fields including engineering, computing, photonics, advanced materials and medical technology.

    "It is exciting to think of the Irish students, researchers and entrepreneurs who will have opportunities to contribute to this work," Mr Lawless said.

    Ireland applied for associate membership of CERN in November 2023.

    Subject to funding requirements and Dáil approval, it is expected that the accession process will be completed in 2026.

    "Our membership will pave the way for greater investment in Irish science, driving forward discovery and technological advancement," said Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris.

    The Irish delegation visiting CERN today includes UCD particle physicist Professor Ronan McNulty, and UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact Professor Kate Robson Brown.

    "Through Ireland's membership we can unlock the vast potential benefits of major global scientific initiatives of this scale including enhancing our research and development ecosystem, advancing our scientific and technological knowledge base and bringing benefits to our students, industry, and wider society," Prof Brown said.

    "Investing in participation gives us a seat at a very valuable table," she added.



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