Geneva commemorates a future defined by scientific discovery with the inauguration of the CERN Science Gateway

Acknowledging the paramount role of science in both its historical narrative and global collective future, Geneva heralds a groundbreaking era of scientific exploration through the inauguration of the CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Science Gateway. This momentous undertaking underscores Geneva's unwavering commitment to unravelling the profound mysteries of the cosmos. The initiative provides an extraordinary suite of particle accelerator facilities, designed to propel the frontiers of human knowledge and establish an iconic centre for scientific education and outreach, catering to individuals of all ages from five years onward.

Since its establishment in 1954, CERN has been guided by a noble mission aimed at fostering a multinational space for scientists engaged in fundamental physics. This mission entails the provision of state-of-the-art particle accelerator facilities, facilitating research at the vanguard of human knowledge in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. The many achievements of CERN are The Higgs boson, The Large Hadron Collider, Antimatter, the birth of the World Wide Web. These projects work on understanding how particles get masses to form stars, planets and life.

Rooted in the values of global unity, CERN strives to unite minds from across the world to advance the frontiers of science and technology for the collective benefit of humanity. Additionally, CERN plays a crucial role in training future generations of physicists, engineers, and technicians, extending its commitment to scientific values to citizens from all walks of life.

“The primary goal of the Science Gateway is to share with everybody the research we do at CERN every day to improve our understanding of the universe, and to share more generally the wonders and utility of science. And we want to do so in a simple and fascinating manner, accessible to all.” Said Fabiola Gianotti, Director-General of CERN, during the inauguration event of CERN Science Gateway. “We hope to contribute to increasing trust in science in today’s society because science is crucial to addressing today’s global challenges, from health to climate change and energy; we want to inspire young people to take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and we want to infuse everyone who comes here with a passion for science.”

The exceptional attributes of the CERN Science Gateway distinguish it in transcending the conventional notion of a museum, as it emerges as a dynamic learning centre characterized by interactivity, liveliness, and dynamism. The centre’s strategic location resides in a space where scientists engage in frontier research daily, with the Large Hadron Collider coursing beneath the feet of inquisitive visitors led by the guides, the essential conduits of knowledge, who are volunteers drawn from our local community, fostering a profound connection between the public and the dedicated individuals propelling groundbreaking scientific endeavours.

Alongside these intellectual pursuits, Geneva's unparalleled beauty casts an exquisite backdrop to this grand narrative. The city's scenic splendours, generous lakes, and cultural monuments harmonize seamlessly with the scientific aspirations harboured within the Science Gateway. Geneva, in its timeless elegance, becomes an integral part of the experience, adding to the pursuit of knowledge a visual richness that resonates with the city's inherent allure. In the union of scientific brilliance and Geneva's international identity, the Science Gateway not only stands as a testament to intellectual inquiry but also as a celebration of the harmonious marriage between the quest for knowledge and the captivating beauty of its host city.