Physicists and engineers at CERN utilise the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to investigate the fundamental constituents of matter — subatomic particles. These particles are accelerated to near the speed of light and then collided, allowing researchers to study their interactions and gain insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Through this work, CERN aims to push the boundaries of human knowledge by exploring the universe at its smallest scale.
The instruments employed at CERN include purpose-built particle accelerators and detectors. Accelerators propel particle beams to extremely high energies, which are then collided either with each other or with fixed targets. Detectors monitor and record the outcomes of these collisions.
Established in 1954, the CERN laboratory is located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. It was one of Europe’s first collaborative scientific ventures and today counts 24 member states.
