Founded in 1954, CERN is the worldโs leading institution for exploring the fundamental structure of the universe. It operates the largest and most powerful particle accelerator in the worldโthe Large Hadron Collider (LHC)โand brings together over 17,000 researchers from more than 100 countries. Full membership allows Slovenia to directly participate in breakthrough research, co-govern scientific infrastructure, and contribute to the strategic decision-making of one of the worldโs most advanced scientific institutions.
Membership in CERN offers tangible opportunities for Slovenian researchers, engineers, students, and companies. Slovenian scientists will gain greater access to leading experiments, young researchers will benefit from training and scholarship programmes, and companies will be able to compete for tenders in high-tech fields such as engineering, IT, and advanced manufacturing. This strengthens Sloveniaโs position as a country that understands the strategic importance of investing in knowledge, technology, and international cooperation.
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Slovenia became the 25th full member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Photo: Maximilien Brice, Piotr Traczyk
At the official ceremony marking Sloveniaโs accession to full membership, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob emphasised the broader significance of this achievement: โIn an age where too many build walls, we choose to build knowledge. At a time of growing divisions, we invest in what unites."
As the Slovenian flag was raised in front of CERN, he added: "It represents a nation proud to think beyond itself. A country that believes science can unite where politics divides. A people ready to co-create not only discoveries, but above all, a more peaceful world."
Particle physics does not only seek answers to the fundamental questions of the universe and matterโit also drives transformative technologies, from the internet and advanced medical diagnostics to data processing and the development of new materials. With full CERN membership, Slovenia becomes a co-creator of these global changes.
This is a decision of long-term significance, reaffirming our commitment to science as the foundation of progress, cooperation, and peace.
