Today, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, James Lawless, signed an agreement admitting Ireland as an Associate Member State of CERN. The Associate Membership will enter into force once CERN has been informed that Ireland has completed all the necessary accession and ratification processes.
“We are extremely happy to welcome Ireland as an Associate Member State of CERN. Irish scientists have been involved in CERN’s programmes for more than two decades, covering fields as varied as experimental physics, theory, medical applications and computer science. This agreement enables us to enhance our collaboration, opening up a broad range of new and mutually beneficial opportunities in fundamental research, technological developments and innovation, and education and training activities,” said Fabiola Gianotti, CERN Director-General.
“I am delighted to have signed this Associate Membership Agreement with CERN. This represents the culmination of significant work by the Government and CERN, building on the excellence of the Irish physics community. As an associate member of one of the world’s most significant research organisations, Ireland will have an opportunity to gain access to excellent research, innovation, collaboration and industry contracts. This long-term international commitment to our scientific community will demonstrate the Irish Government’s continued and expanding support of Ireland’s participation in leading global research collaborations,” said James Lawless, Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Universities from Ireland are participating in the LHC experiments ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb, as well in experiments at the ISOLDE facility. A number of theoretical physics groups in Ireland also collaborate with CERN. Furthermore, Ireland has a strong interest in computer science, medical physics and civil engineering, and several of its universities are working with CERN on various projects in these fields.
Ireland submitted its formal application to Associate Membership in November 2023. Associate Member State status was granted to Ireland by the CERN Council on 28 March 2025.
As an Associate Member State, Ireland will be entitled to appoint representatives to attend meetings of the CERN Council, of the Finance Committee and of the Scientific Policy Committee. Irish nationals will be eligible to apply for limited-duration staff positions and CERN’s graduate programmes. Irish companies will be able to bid for CERN contracts, increasing opportunities for industrial collaboration in advanced technologies.