An event celebrating the 70th anniversary of CERN and Greece’s contributions to its groundbreaking research took place at the National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos.
The milestone coincides with the election of Professor Konstantinos Fountas as president of the CERN Council, marking a historic first for a Greek scientist.
Professor Fountas, a physicist and head of the High Energy Physics Group at the University of Ioannina, will lead CERN’s top decision-making body from 2025 to 2027, as reported in September.
Recognized for its pioneering work in nuclear and particle physics, CERN employs 225 Greek researchers, with an additional 115 working there through affiliations with Greek universities.
Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation Zoe Rapti highlighted Greece’s foundational role in CERN since its establishment in 1954, with Greek scientists playing key roles in some of the organization’s major achievements. She noted that Greece’s contributions, amounting to 1% of CERN’s annual budget and totaling 12-13 million Swiss francs yearly, underscore the country’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence.
In his remarks, Professor Fountas emphasized CERN’s position as the world’s leading particle physics laboratory, attracting top talent globally. “CERN is the jewel of European science, securing Europe’s leadership in particle physics worldwide. However, it now stands at a crossroads, facing critical decisions about its future,” he stated, adding that Greece has played an instrumental role in shaping its trajectory through diplomatic and institutional support.
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