CERN inaugurates its new outreach centre Science Gateway

On Saturday 7 Ocotber 2023, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) inaugurated in Geneva “Science Gateway“, its new centre for science education and outreach targeting a public of all ages.

The opening ceremony of the Science Gateway was attended – together with the President of the Swiss Confederation and the ministers of education and research of a number of European countrieson –  by the Director general of the Higher Education, Science and Research Section of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, Prof. Radka Wildová, who in a panel discussion on the role of research infrastructures in the development of education in science, technology and mathematics highly appreciated the work of CERN with the youngest generation, which represents a real investment for the future.

Director general of the Higher Education, Science and Research Section of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, Prof. Radka Wildová, in the panel discussion, source: CERN

The centre is open to visitors from all over the world from the age of 5 years. The aim of Science Gateway is to demonstrate the importance of science and basic research and its benefits to society, to inspire curiosity and passion for science in younger generations and the general public, and to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Science Gateway CERN, source: CERN

The Science Gateway building is inspired by the tubular structure of CERN’s accelerators and is made up of five spaces that house exhibitions, interactive displays, laboratories and an auditorium. Transparent glass panels and bridges further represent CERN’s commitment to cross-border collaboration and a culture of open science that is accessible to all.

Interactive model of particle accelerator, source: CERN

The building itself was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. The construction was fully funded by private foundations. The new centre is expected to host up to 500 000 visitors a year from across the world. Science Gateway will be free of charge and open 6 days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday.

Groups of 12 or more can register for the visit here, and individuals, families or small groups can register here.