CERN works to popularize science through its innovative interactive hub “Science Portal”. It adapts to all audiences and with it wants to meet the explosion in demand for visits.
The European Center for Particle Physics (CERN) is taking a big step closer to the public by opening a range of educational facilities – in the style of a large, fully interactive museum – adapted to everyone, from the age of five, and to those who want to meet the explosion in demand for visits that may now reach Half a million annually.
The Science Gateway, as it is called, offers several experiments in which the public can participate directly under the guidance of the people appointed to each position, who on this opening day were students and children of the organization’s scientists.
From Saturday, when the Science Portal opens to the public, the positions will be filled by CERN employees who will carry out this mission on a volunteer basis, which will provide the public with a unique opportunity in the world to directly interact with scientists.
“Sharing research, as well as the beauty and usefulness of science, has always been a goal of CERN and through this Science Portal we are expanding this mission. We want to show the importance of basic research and its application in society and inspire young people to choose Scientific careers, such as technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
At the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) – specifically at a depth of about 100 metres – the Large Hadron Collider, which is the largest and most powerful particle accelerator in the world, works on a 27-kilometre-long ring in which proton and ion particles collide at a speed approximately equivalent to the speed of light, with the aim of creating conditions that allow us By answering the mysteries of the universe.
Science for young people
Her great curiosity about the secrets that the universe continues to keep prompted Maris Kristaps, 18 years old and from Lithuania, to participate in the summer science camp offered by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) for young people who are at the end of secondary education (between 16 and 18 years old). general)
Kristaps, who today shared one of his experiments on Science Portal, submitted a good report card, a letter of motivation and a letter of introduction from one of his science teachers, earning him a place in the week-long science camp. from CERN, which contributes accommodation and meals, he told EFE.
After a few days immersed in conversations about atoms and fundamental particles, the young man was now certain that he wanted to pursue a scientific career, perhaps in physics.
Features and financing
The Science Gate operates in a group of tubular buildings, inspired by the Grand Accelerator, and includes five exhibition areas, laboratories and an auditorium located in front of the main entrance to CERN, in the Swiss district of Meyrin, in Geneva, with full funding. Through donations.
The most important of these – 45 million out of the 100 million required by the project – went to the Stellantis Foundation, which is linked to a multinational company in the automobile industry, in addition to other donations received from Swiss private entities.
The structure consists of glass panels and bridges. It was designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano, creator of famous buildings in cities such as Paris, Berlin, New York, Athens and Osaka. Its energy consumption is 100% covered by solar energy.
In addition, 400 trees have been planted around it to create a kind of urban forest that can be enjoyed by visitors, who can access the facilities for free.
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