Ireland has signed an associate membership agreement to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).
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 will 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.
Ireland applied for associate membership in November 2023. Subject to funding requirements and Dáil approval, it is expected that Ireland will complete the accession process this year.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless visited CERN today to sign the membership agreement.
“This represents the culmination of significant work by the Government and CERN, building on the excellence of the Irish physics community,” Mr Lawless said.
“As an associate member of one of the world’s most significant research organisations, Ireland will have an opportunity to gain access to excellent research, innovation, collaboration and industry contracts.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in Government and stakeholders over the coming period to finalise Ireland’s associate membership status and maximise the opportunities presented by the process,” he added.
