CERN

CERN helps to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works. This is being done by providing a unique range of particle accelerator facilities to researchers, to advance the boundaries of human knowledge.The Laboratory, established in 1954, has become a prime example of international collaboration.

The mission of CERN is to a/ perform world-class research in fundamental physics, b/ provide a unique range of particle accelerator facilities that enable research at the forefront of human knowledge, in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, c/ unite people from all over the world to push the frontiers of science and technology, for the benefit of all and d/ train new generations of physicists, engineers and technicians, and engage all citizens in research and in the values of science.CERN is a global leader in particle physics research and has made many key discoveries, including the discovery of the Higgs Boson, while it is also the birthplace of the internet i.e. the software of the World Wide Web.

Greece is a member of Council and one of the twelve founding Member States of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), in 1954. Ever since, Greek academic stuff and students participate in the entire spectrum of research activities making notable contributions to the field of particle physics.  Today Greek scientists participate, among others, to ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb Experiments, while about 200 Greek researchers are doing research at CERN either as members of the organization or as users visiting from Greek Universities and research centers.

Greece is also holding the position of the Presidency of the Council at CERN. Professor Konstantinos Fountas was elected on 27 September 2024 as the President of the Council for the years 2025 till 2028. Mr Fountas is a distinguished physicist, Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Ioannina and has served as the scientific representative of Greece to the CERN Council, holding also the position of Vice President from 2022. His election reflects not only his scientific value and his recognized contribution to the Organization, but also the active role of Greece within CERN. It should be noted that this is the first time a Greek citizen has been elected President of the Council.