Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless today met with the Director General of CERN in Geneva where both parties agreed to take the next steps towards Ireland’s Associate Membership.
Today Minister Lawless met with CERN Director General Fabaiola Gianotti and pledged to sign an agreement for Ireland’s Associate Membership, provided it is ratified by the Dail.
Speaking from Geneva, Minister Lawless said:
“This visit to CERN has cemented my belief that Ireland must be part of this incredible scientific endeavour.
“I was delighted to meet with Director General Gianotti and we both agreed Ireland’s Associate Membership would be of immense value to both parties.
“There is so much we can learn from the work happening here, but we also have a world-class research community who can be a real asset to CERN.
“I will return to Ireland tomorrow and push forward with plans to make this partnership with CERN a reality.
“I am optimistic that it will be ratified by the Dail, where there is already cross-party support for the initiative.”
Subject to funding requirements and Dáil approval, it is anticipated that Ireland will complete the accession process in 2026.
Minister Lawless added:
“When people think of the work happening in CERN, they invariably consider the particle accelerator, and that truly is phenomenal research.
“But there is so much else happening here that impacts the everyday lives of citizens, from cancer radiotherapy, to pixel technologies used for high resolution 3D colour X-ray imaging, and even measuring the DNA of art.
“I look forward to bringing my recommendation to the Dail that Ireland should be a part of this incredible endeavour, and ensure our country plays a vital role in what is one of the most important scientific undertakings in human history.”
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