On 29 September 1954, the CERN Convention entered into force, officially establishing the European Organization for Nuclear Research with 12 European member states. Now the world's biggest particle physics laboratory, CERN is celebrating “60 years of science for peace” with an official ceremony and several public events taking place throughout September.
The highlight of this anniversary month will be the official ceremony on 29 September, which will be attended by many representatives of CERN’s Member States, Associate Member States and Observers. “With its discoveries and innovations, CERN has been bringing the world together through science for 60 years. We'd like to celebrate this important anniversary with our friends and neighbours,” said Rolf Heuer, CERN’s Director General.
CERN is inviting the general public to several cultural events commemorating its anniversary: concerts, a film, a play, shows and lectures will all bring science to the general population, adults and children alike.
Friday, 19 September: Concert by the United Nations Orchestra
Conducted by Antoine Marguier, the United Nations Orchestra will accompany violin maestro Matteo Fedeli, a soloist performing on a Stradivarius under the patronage of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations Office. The programme includes the overture to Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, George Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture.
Tickets are sold out, but you can watch the concert live at http://webcast.web.cern.ch/webcast/.
Saturday, 20 September: screening of Particle Fever film and Comedy Night
This documentary brings to life the start-up of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, the LHC, and the two-year-long global effort that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Mark Levinson, editor Walter Munch and the scientists featured in the documentary.
The second part of the evening will see scientists take to the stage as comedians for the Comedy Night.
Free entry, booking required via www.cern.ch/voisins
Wednesday, 24 September: TEDxCERN
CERN hosts the second edition of TEDxCERN, which you can watch live via webcast.
Friday, 26 September: From Physics to Daily Life
chaired by Beatrice Bressan
8am - 7pm, CERN Main Auditorium
On this special occasion, the authors featured in the From Physics to Daily Life books (B. Bressan, editor) will present several outstanding examples of successful cross-disciplinary technology transfer originating in fundamental physics research – practical applications that have dramatically impacted scientific progress and consequently changed modern society. Many of these applications were developed at CERN.
The books cover subjects such as clinical and biomedical research applications and breakthrough developments in the worlds of IT, consumer electronics, aviation and material sciences. Additional sections are devoted to knowledge and technology transfer management, including economic aspects.
Programme of the day available here.
If you want to participate to this event and you have no CERN access card, please register by sending an email to iulia.pascu@cern.ch. CERN users and staff members do not need to register.
Colloquium webcast for the general public here.
Friday, 26 September: Researchers’ Night/POP Science
For the ninth Researchers’ Night, CERN will bring science to the general public at three venues:
- From 4.30 to 9.30 p.m. at the Rive branch of FNAC in Geneva: workshops, poetry, music, science cafés and a dedicated children’s area. Free entry, no booking required.
- 7 p.m. at the Théâtre du Bordeau in Saint-Genis-Pouilly: a preview of Origins, an innovative play combining new technology, holograms and dialogue with the audience. The play will be followed by a one-off discussion with Etienne Klein, Hubert Reeves and Michel Spiro. Entrance fee applies – please see http://pop-science.eu for details.
- 10 p.m., science café at the Salle Centrale de la Madeleine theatre in Geneva, with Fabiola Gianotti, Etienne Klein, Hubert Reeves and Michel Mayor. Free entry, booking required – please see http://pop-science.eu for details.
Tuesday, 30 September: Concert by the CERN Choir
Directed by Gonzalo Martinez, the CERN Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis. Tickets on sale at the Victoria Hall – please see www.cern.ch/voisins for details.
More information about CERN’s 60th anniversary can be found at www.cern.ch/cern60.