Geneva, 1 September 2014. On 29 September 1954, the CERN1 Convention entered into force, officially establishing the European Organization for Nuclear Research with 12 European member states. Now the world's biggest particle physics laboratory, CERN is celebrating “60 years of science for peace” with an official ceremony and several public events taking place throughout September.
The highlight of this anniversary month will be the official ceremony on 29 September, which will be attended by many representatives of CERN’s Member States, Associate Member States and Observers. Journalists can attend this event, subject to having obtained accreditation before 18 September via Indico.
“With its discoveries and innovations, CERN has been bringing the world together through science for 60 years. We'd like to celebrate this important anniversary with our friends and neighbours.”, said Rolf Heuer, CERN’s Director General.
CERN is also inviting the general public to several cultural events commemorating its anniversary: concerts, a film, a play, shows and lectures will all bring science to the general population, adults and children alike.
- Friday, 19 September at 6.30 p.m. at CERN, in the marquee behind the Globe of Science and Innovation
Concert by the United Nations Orchestra
Conducted by Antoine Marguier, the United Nations Orchestra will accompany violin maestro Matteo Fedeli, a soloist performing on a Stradivarius under the patronage of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations Office. The programme includes the overture to Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, George Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture.
Free entry, booking required – please see www.cern.ch/voisins for details.
- Saturday, 20 September at 7 p.m. at CERN, in the marquee behind the Globe of Science and Innovation
Particle Fever film screening (in English with French subtitles) and Comedy Night (in English)
This documentary brings to life the start-up of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, the LHC, and the two-year-long global effort that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Mark Levinson, editor Walter Munch and the scientists featured in the documentary.
The second part of the evening will see scientists take to the stage as comedians for the Comedy Night.
Free entry, booking required via www.cern.ch/voisins.
- Wednesday, 24 September
CERN hosts the second edition of TEDxCERN
You can also watch TEDxCERN online.
- Friday, 26 September from 4.30 p.m. to midnight
Researchers’ Night/POP Science
For the ninth Researchers’ Night, CERN will bring science to the general public at three venues:
- From 4.30 to 9.30 p.m. at the Rive branch of FNAC in Geneva: workshops, poetry, music, science cafés and a dedicated children’s area. Free entry, no booking required.
- 7 p.m. at the Théâtre du Bordeau in Saint-Genis-Pouilly: a preview of Origins, an innovative play combining new technology, holograms and dialogue with the audience. The play will be followed by a one-off discussion with Etienne Klein, Hubert Reeves and Michel Spiro. Entrance fee applies – please see www.cern.ch/voisins for details.
- 10 p.m., science café at the Salle Centrale de la Madeleine theatre in Geneva, with Fabiola Gianotti, Etienne Klein, Hubert Reeves and Michel Mayor. Free entry, booking required – please see www.cern.ch/voisins for details.
- Tuesday, 30 September at 8 p.m. in Geneva’s Victoria Hall.
Concert by the CERN Choir
Directed by Gonzalo Martinez, the CERN Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis. Tickets on sale at the Victoria Hall – please see www.cern.ch/voisins for details.
Journalists wishing to attend these events are requested to book a place in the same way as members of the public - www.cern.ch/voisins.
More information about CERN’s 60th anniversary can be found at www.cern.ch/cern60.