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IOP welcomes Secretary of State to celebrate 70th anniversary of CERN

19 September 2024

Caledonian Road reception organised by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology marked 70 years of breakthroughs and international teamwork


Government ministers and the UK science community gathered at the IOP yesterday for a special reception to mark the 70th anniversary of CERN, the European laboratory for particle physics.

The reception, organised by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), marked 70 years of breakthroughs and international teamwork at CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider and an unrivalled hub for scientific collaboration.

Leading figures from science and research in the UK, Europe and worldwide were joined by Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and Ambassadors and representatives from CERN Member States and Associate States.

CERN’s anniversary comes as European member states prepare to elect a new Director-General in Autumn. The IOP has welcomed the UK government’s backing for renowned particle physicist Professor Mark Thomson, the UK candidate for the role, who also attended the reception.

After the reception, the Secretary of State met members of the IOP’s Council and emphasised the vital importance of physics in generating growth, opening up opportunity and spurring innovations that will help the world meet the historic challenges we face.

Tom Grinyer, CEO of the IOP, said: “As a beacon for international scientific partnership, CERN is a shining example of the power of physics to change our lives for the better, from the breakthrough discovery of the Higgs boson to sowing the seeds of the World Wide Web.

“The IOP was honoured to host this important celebration of CERN at 70 and we know that the next 70 years of innovation and discovery will be just as vital for humanity. If appointed, Professor Thomson has the credentials, experience and vision CERN will need as it continues to expand the horizons of our world.”

Image text reads Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, Acceleration innovation, Technology for Good, Modern Digital, Institute of Physics.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology