From today, Ireland’s researchers will have increased access to CERN’s scientific programmes, while Irish companies can compete in procurement schemes.
After years of seeking membership, Ireland has officially joined the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) as an associate member, the Irish Government announced today (22 October).
Associate membership of the intergovernmental organisation – which operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world– will bring a range of benefits to the country. From today, Ireland’s researchers will have increased access to CERN’s scientific programmes, and are eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN.
Irish citizens can also access CERN’s formal training schemes and develop industry-relevant skills in electronics, photonics, materials, energy systems, software and more, while Ireland’s enterprises can now compete in CERN procurement programmes.
“We are extremely happy to welcome Ireland as an associate member state of CERN,” said CERN director general, Fabiola Gianotti. “Irish scientists have been involved in CERN’s programmes for decades, covering fields as varied as experimental physics, theory, medical applications and computer science.
“This agreement enables us to enhance our collaboration, opening up a broad range of new and mutually beneficial opportunities in fundamental research, technological developments and innovation, and education and training activities.”
CERN is the organisation behind the Large Hadron Collider – the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
Irish academics have been campaigning for membership for a number of years.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Prof Sinéad Ryan, dean of research at Trinity College Dublin, said: “CERN membership brings huge opportunities to enhance teaching, learning and skills development in STEM all across the country, for students, teachers and researchers who will now have access to targeted workshops, outreach activities and next-gen research facilities.
“Membership will also open up new markets and foster new R&D partnerships for Irish industries and SMEs.”
Ireland officially applied for CERN membership in 2023, while in 2024, the organisation sent a taskforce to assess Ireland’s membership bid, with the application being accepted in principle earlier this year.
In May, Ireland signed an agreement to become an associate member at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, with the contract being ratified a couple of months later.
Ireland’s Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will oversee governance of Ireland’s associate membership of CERN, while a National Advisory Committee is currently being established to “promote, benchmark and measure” Ireland’s performance, according to the Government.
“Today, we open the door to world-class opportunities for Irish researchers, students and enterprises,” said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD. “From procurement contracts and fellowships to frontier training and global partnerships, Ireland is now part of a scientific ecosystem that shapes the future.
“We are not just joining CERN. We are stepping onto the world stage of discovery, and Ireland is ready to make its mark.”
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