IOP welcomes Irish government’s confirmation of funding to allow application for CERN membership to proceed

The Irish government today confirmed the funding allowing for Ireland’s application for membership of the CERN international research project to proceed. The Institute of Physics (IOP) has long argued for Ireland to become an associate member, leading to job creation and investment and training opportunities.

Tom Grinyer, IOP group Chief Executive, said: “This investment, and a successful application, will enable Ireland to take its rightful place at the largest pan-European scientific research project. Ireland has a strong record in investment in research and innovation infrastructure and this further investment will secure access to a world-leading institution and associated infrastructure.”

Dr Dermot Green, Chair of the IOP Ireland Committee, also warmly welcomed the development: “CERN is the premier scientific laboratory in the world, and a shining example of successful international collaboration. This is the largest step towards Ireland’s CERN membership in a decade, coming after years of sustained campaigning by the IOP, the CERN-Ireland Users Group and interested academics.”

He went on: “This support will return to Ireland in the form of training, research opportunities and the contracts for Irish businesses and strengthen its ability to attract international talent.”

The IOP responses in full

In response to the announcement of funding to allow for Ireland’s CERN associate membership bid to proceed, IOP group Chief Executive Tom Grinyer said: “This investment, and a successful application, will enable Ireland to take its rightful place at the largest pan-European scientific research project. Ireland has a strong record in investment in research and innovation infrastructure and this further investment will secure access to a world-leading institution and associated infrastructure.

“CERN’s field of research is particle physics, but this is only part of its story. It is a massive civil engineering project and one of the world’s largest big-data projects, producing spin-off benefits in areas such as medical physics.

“The IOP has long advocated Ireland’s membership of CERN. The IOP and the broader physics community stands ready to support the final stage of the process with Ireland’s associate membership application and we look forward to playing a key role in the project.”

Dr Dermot Green, Chair of the IOP Ireland Committee, said: “CERN is the premier scientific laboratory in the world, and a shining example of successful international collaboration. This is the largest step towards Ireland’s CERN membership in a decade, coming after years of sustained campaigning by the IOP, the CERN-Ireland Users Group and interested academics.

“This support will return to Ireland in the form of training, research opportunities and the contracts for Irish businesses and strengthen its ability to attract international talent.

“The programme for teacher visits gives a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation to study physics and the sciences more generally. This is vital for the future of the Irish economy as well as to provide the answers to the range of global challenges including climate change, food security and healthcare.”