Welcome to CERN Science Gateway in Geneva
Geneva: International Hub at the Heart of Europe
Geneva stands as one of Europe's most "international" cities, nestled between the Alps and the Jura mountains at the tip of Lake Geneva. As home to over 40 international organizations, including the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization, Geneva embodies global collaboration and diplomacy.
This cosmopolitan city offers the perfect backdrop for our conference, with its blend of Swiss efficiency, multicultural atmosphere, and natural beauty. Its central European location and excellent transportation connections make it easily accessible for participants from around the world.
For registered participants, the Geneva Tourism offics offers a 20% discount on the Geneva City Pass which gives you free or discounted access to 60 activities across the city. For more information on how to obtain this discount, visit the dedicated page only visible to registered participants.
CERN: Where Science Pushes Boundaries
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, is the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Since its founding in 1954, CERN has been at the forefront of scientific discovery, bringing together scientists from across the globe to uncover the fundamental secrets of our universe.
Home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, CERN exemplifies international scientific collaboration with over 16,000 scientists from more than 100 countries working together on groundbreaking research. The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 represents just one of CERN's many contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Science Gateway: Innovation Meets Education
Our conference will take place in CERN's brand new Science Gateway, opened in October 2023. This stunning facility, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, serves as CERN's new education and outreach center, dedicated to inspiring future generations about the wonders of science.
The Science Gateway features:
- Three immersive exhibitions that take visitors on a journey through the mysteries of particle physics and back to the Big Bang
- Two laboratories for hands-on scientific experiments - the perfect place for "co-laborative" workshops.
- An auditorium with capacity for up to 800 visitors, where most of our conference sessions will take place
- A restaurant and a shop, where you as a conference participant get 10% discount on souvenirs from this unique place.
The building reflects mirrors the diversity and curiosity that is at the core of CERN as an organisation. It symbolises the link between science and society and is thus perfectly suited to host the Open Science Fair.
The Globe of Science and Innovation: CERN's Iconic Landmark
Standing 27 meters tall and 40 meters in diameter, the Globe of Science and Innovation has been CERN's most recognizable landmark for over two decades. This sphere, completely made of wood, serves as a communication and outreach toll as well as a popular confernce venue.
During our conference, the Globe will serve as the hub for networking during coffee breaks and informal discussions. Its unique interior space creates an atmosphere where ideas can collide and new collaborations can form.
Your Conference Experience
The Open Science Fair will primarily take place in the spacious auditorium of the Science Gateway, providing an inspiring setting for our keynote presentations and panel discussions. The breakout sessions will utilize in part the smaller parts of the auditorium and the Gateway's laboratories—a fitting environment for our collaborative workshops.
Coffee breaks, lunches and the opening reception will be hosted in the iconic Globe, offering participants a chance to forge connections in one of science's most symbolic structures.
Together, these venues create an unparalleled atmosphere where science, innovation, and collaboration naturally converge—the perfect setting for advancing the principles and practices of Open Science.
We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional venue where the spirit of scientific collaboration is embedded in every element of the surroundings.
