Israel became the first non-European member of the Center of European Nuclear Research (CERN) after the Jewish state’s application to the international research center was unanimously approved on Dec. 12. CERN, which is based in Switzerland, is the largest center in the world for the study of atomic particles and attracts leading physicists, engineers and technicians to its laboratories.
Israel’s association with CERN dates back to 1991, when it served as an observer state and participated in a number of high-level experiments conducted at its facilities. After being upgraded to an associate member in 2011, Israel played an increased role in various projects and became an active contributor to testing at CERN’s renowned particle accelerator—the largest in the world made famous last year by the discovery of the Higgs boson (otherwise known as the ‘God particle’). Until now, however, Israel was excluded from influencing the institute’s research priorities. CERN’s decision to include Israel among the 20 other European parties will change that.
“Full membership in an organization like this is a very impressive calling card, and it reflects Israel’s high scientific and technological level,” said Ilana Levi, head of the Science Ministry’s foreign relations department. “But at the same time, it also has many other advantages. Acceptance as a full member would grant greater access to the most advanced and unique research labs and facilities, of a kind that Israel has neither the ability nor any reason to build in Israel. It would also enable Israeli industry to participate in all of CERN’s tenders, something that was very limited as an associate member.”
Yaakov Peri, Israel’s Science, Technology and Space Minister, echoed Levi’s statements. “This is a significant step for Israeli science, and a fruitful continuation of cooperation between Israel and European states,” he said. “Israeli scientists will gain from accessibility to know-how and advanced scientific infrastructure in CERN, and the organization will benefit from the brilliant Israeli scientists who will advance its research.”
CERN’s research director Sergio Bertolucci was among the European member states lauding Israel for its contributions to the global scientific community. “As a member of the fact-finding mission that assessed Israel’s readiness for CERN membership, I was extremely impressed with the quality of Israeli research and researchers,” Bertolucci said.Israel is hopeful that its inclusion in such an elite European
organization will help assuage political tensions and strengthen ties with Europe through scientific endeavors. “It’s a great thing for a country like Israel to see its flag waving over the European nuclear research lab,” said Prof. Eilam Gross, a member of Israel’s CERN team. “Science ought to cross borders, and I think it’s very important that the scientific community not repudiate us, because the road to peace goes through science.” A ceremony to formally admit Israel as a full member to the group will take place in January.
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