On October 1, 2024, CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, marked its 70th anniversary with a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the globe. This celebration not only highlighted CERN's past achievements but also its ambitious future, promising advancements in our understanding of the universe.
CERN has been at the forefront of high-energy physics, contributing to significant discoveries such as the W and Z bosons and the Higgs boson. The laboratory has also pioneered technologies that have transcended the realm of physics, finding applications in medical diagnostics, therapy, and aerospace industries. "CERN is living proof that human ingenuity knows no bounds when set on a common goal that transcends borders," remarked Eliezer Rabinovici, President of the CERN Council.
The ongoing research at CERN is crucial for unraveling the mysteries of the universe, particularly regarding dark matter and energy, which constitute 95% of the cosmos. With the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) producing unprecedented amounts of data, scientists are poised to deepen their exploration of fundamental physics. Looking ahead, the High-Luminosity LHC is expected to enhance data collection tenfold after 2030, while plans for a Future Circular Collider may redefine our understanding of nature itself.
As CERN continues its mission, it remains committed to making scientific knowledge accessible to all, fostering collaboration across borders, and inspiring future generations of scientists. The potential applications of its discoveries promise to benefit humanity, making CERN not just a laboratory, but a beacon of hope for scientific advancement.