It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph Tagg, an esteemed engineer, colleague and friend, who died on 10 June 2025 at the age of 43.
Joseph was a cornerstone of the Measurement Test and Analysis (MTA) section in the Beams (BE) Controls, Electronics and Mechatronics (CEM) group at CERN, where he served as an engineer, supervisor and project leader. Known for his technical brilliance and compassionate approach, Joseph played an essential role in numerous medium to large-scale projects that support the backbone of CERN’s accelerator complex, including the low-level control for the LHC collimators, the Train Inspection Monorail (TIM), the SM18 superconducting magnet test benches, and cryogenics and vacuum systems.
Born in Calgary, Canada, Joseph came to CERN in 2011 as a liaison from National Instruments (NI). His early years at CERN were marked by his remarkable ability to train young engineers and provide extensive technical support, while working on joint development activities. He was instrumental in the success of many of the control systems of the CLIC and XBOX project. This CERN-NI collaboration eventually brought him permanently to the CERN site in 2012.
In 2018, Joseph became a CERN staff member, fully integrating into the MTA team and CEM group, where he continued to innovate and work with tireless dedication.
Joseph was always eager to help, and it was always a pleasure to work with him. His collaborative mindset was instrumental in supporting other developers and other sections, such as the Mechatronics, Robotics, Infrastructure and Electronics teams in the CEM group, and in contributing significantly to key group projects including SAMbuCa and PTS.
Beyond his technical expertise, Joseph brought warmth, inclusivity and a deep sense of curiosity to his work. He was always ready to lend a hand, to listen and to explore new ideas, particularly those that touched on political, technological and societal progress.
Outside of CERN, Joseph was first and foremost a devoted father of three. He was passionate about fantasy and science fiction, always up for games, social gatherings and shared laughter. His friends and family remember him as a reliable, generous and spirited soul, who was always present, caring and ready to give advice.
Joseph’s passing is a profound loss to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on at CERN in the systems that he built and the people whom he mentored.
Our deepest condolences go to his loved ones; he will be dearly missed.
His friends and colleagues
We deeply regret to announce the death of Joseph Tagg on 10 June 2025.
Mr Joseph Tagg, born on 7 January 1982, worked in the BE department and had been at CERN since 27 June 2011.
The Director-General has sent a message of condolence to his family on behalf of the CERN community.
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