Ireland has officially received in-principle approval for its application to join CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research), marking a significant step toward becoming an associate member in 2026. This move will grant Irish researchers, students, and businesses access to the world’s most renowned scientific initiatives, enhancing their participation in groundbreaking global scientific discoveries.
CERN, located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the largest and most powerful particle accelerator ever built. Its focus on high-energy physics has contributed to numerous discoveries, including the famed Higgs boson. Associate membership will enable Ireland’s researchers to collaborate in CERN’s scientific programs, access job opportunities, and be eligible for staff positions and fellowships. Furthermore, Irish businesses will be able to compete for contracts within CERN’s extensive procurement programs.
Ireland’s contribution to CERN is expected to amount to €1.9 million annually for an initial five-year period. This investment aligns with the country’s broader goals to bolster its science and technology sectors, fostering innovation in fields like engineering, computing, medical technology, and materials science.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, highlighted the opportunities for Irish students and entrepreneurs to contribute to cutting-edge research. “It is exciting to think of the Irish students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will have opportunities to contribute to this work,” he said.
The move was initiated in November 2023, and following approval from the Irish Parliament (Dáil), the formal accession process is expected to conclude in 2026. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, also emphasized the strategic significance, stating that membership will not only enhance Ireland’s research ecosystem but also drive technological advancements across various industries.
With the backing of academic leaders such as Professor Ronan McNulty from UCD and Professor Kate Robson Brown, Ireland’s participation in CERN is poised to yield significant benefits for its science and technology sectors, boosting both national and global scientific collaboration.
Nuclear Reactor Picture by FMT CC BY 4.0
