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Public Event Advisory Board Meeting Q3
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Europe/Zurich
61/1-009 - Room C (CERN)
Public Event Advisory Board – 2 October 2025
Present: Antonella Del Rosso, Barbara Solich, Chiara Mariotti, Dante Larini, Loraine Massarotti, François Briard, Enrique Rico Ortega, Malika Meddahi, Mélissa Gaillard, Zoe Nikolaidou, Giulia Bini
1 2025 Quantum! public event season evaluation and STELLAR
Including questions regarding demographics in the survey was a point shared, nevertheless this would confront us to data privacy issues. Also, we would need to keep this questionnaire rather simple, as to not discourage people from using it.
It is vital to keep customising the survey per event (for example, it the event was promoted via the radio, it needs to be taken into account).
Accessibility of content for events was a point which came across in the survey: was the event promoted according to what we promised? A need to be clearer on the nature of the event is important, with specific indicators, information and age recommendations.
A. Del Rosso shared that we need to be careful when analysing the survey, as the sample is very small.
According to F. Briard, no-shows are much higher amongst Cernois.
Translation service have had some issues, including through the headsets. F. Briard shared that a reminder to the audience would be needed concerning not blocking the device (ex: by putting your hands on it) can be a good initiative to take.
STELLAR: successful event and a good opportunity to seize for a possible summer science festival in 2026. There were however hesitations from SG team to have a science festival next year due to capacity restrictions. Further discussion is needed. If the decision is taken to move forward with this project, a clear retroplanning will be needed (the same with Antigel), to have a clear deadline regarding when we will agree with the concept, and when we move forward with the implementation.
2 Season 25/26 Generation Higgs launch
Information about the launch of the 25/26 was shared, including our media exposure and efforts regarding the communication campaign.
For communications, F.Briard shared that we could consider Leman Bleu for future campaigns.
3 Antigel
For 2026, a “smaller” project is currently being designed, which would be a conference/concert at the Science Gateway auditorium. It would involve a physicist who would participate in the curation of the event.
The name of the physicist and technical details to be announced. The exact dates will also be shared ASAP with the SG colleagues, so that they can adjust the calendar with the installation days, as this is blocking them from undertaking private reservations.
We shoud put a deadline whether the project is a go or no go. Mid-November would seem reasonable.
As shared previously by F. Briard, a clear retro-planning is needed.
M. Meddahi shared that the partners of the experiences which were contacted need to be informed ASAP that the project will be smaller than expected in 2026, but that there still might be an interest of organising a CERN-wide event in 2027.
4 Presentation of the Art & Science Summit by Giulia Bini
G. Bini shared the plans of the next Art & Science Summit, which would take place in March 2026
E. Ortega offered support to help G. Bini to find potential speakers and VIP guests
B. Solich has suggested creating synergies with the C&SF regarding inviting donors to the event, in addition to other activities
5 2026-27 Season
The plan was shared that the concept of the new season must be validated by January 2026, and that all materials should be finalised by May, ready to be promoted.
An initial concept was shared with the Board members, with a “fist stab” at a title (living futures). More work is needed to take into account several strategic inputs.
An extraordinary session for a Brainstorm for the new theme will be suggested to the Board members.
3 projects of events were shared, including a high-level conference on new physics in September 2026. According to F. Briard, this could coincide with the public consultations’ phase for the new accelerator. Help of the Board members, including E. Ortega, could be asked if they are available to help.
The other two projects were a concert for dark matter day 2026, in association with a local radio (radio vostok), and a humoristic conference by Frédéric Ferrer: WOW!
B. Solich shared that the theme would be a nice opportunity to share how research benefits the entire world, and that more links with this should be considered in the choice of the events.
C.Mariotti had also prepared a proposal of an orchestra about the birth of the Universe, which would take place in spring 2027, which was greeted well by the Board. She will provide more details, including the logistical needs.
L. Masarotti shared that all event dates should be shared ASAP with the SG team, so that we can already include placeholders.
The next dates for the PEAB were shared: Tuesday 2 December 3pm / Tuesday 3 March 2026 3pm / Tuesday 9 June 3pm
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