Lithuania seeks access to CERN membership

During the first week of September Sascha Schmeling, Charles Henri Denarau and Frederick Bordry, representatives of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) visited VU. Artūras Žukauskas, VU Rector discussed possibilities for further cooperation between CERN and VU, also considered the potential Lithuania's membership in one of the key scientific institutions of the world.

The process of access of a particular country to membership in this organization usually takes time. The country seeking membership of CERN has to have a high scientific, technical and industrial potential, appropriate and established scientific expertise in the field of particle physics, a strong political will of the Government has to be evident.

Meanwhile, Lithuania and VU may benefit from the active participation in experimental research conducted at CERN, may utilize the experimental data, local companies and institutions may participate in the public procurement. Participation in study programs of CERN laboratories are of particular attraction to Lithuanian students and teachers.

"High standards of teacher education in physics is among VU priorities, therefore, educational and promotional CERN programs could enhance the long-term scientific cooperation between Vilnius University and CERN," – Rector A. Žukauskas stated after the meeting.

The next CERN delegation visit to Lithuania is expected in October.