Research at CERN

A gateway to the Universe

CERN is an international laboratory for particle physicists, providing some of the most technologically advanced facilities for their research into the basic building blocks of the Universe. Specialist facilities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for individual nations to build include advanced particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, and facilities for the production of exotic forms of matter, including antimatter.

CERN has established a reputation at the forefront of research, proven through its experiments, past and present. The Laboratory is a vibrant meeting place for discussion and debate; around half of the world’s particle physicists come here for their research. This is reflected in the experiments, which are usually run by international collaborations, bringing together teams of physicists from different institutes towards a common goal.