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Articles by Raphaël Bello
Solar radiation applications
Two essential components of solar energy which are derivable from the sun-radiant light (passive solar power) and heat (active solar powers) have been harnessed for decades using a range of continuously-evolving and cutting-edge technologies. Such technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and photo emitters.
Firefighters’ fire safety put to the test
At CERN, the Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are our safety frontline: first responders in emergencies and trusted guides in both real evacuations and drills. On 26 September 2025, roles were reversed as the firefighters themselves were tested in a large-scale evacuation exercise. This novel drill formed part of CERN’s wider safety objectives, focused on increasing emergency preparedness before Long Shutdown 3 (LS3).
Pink October and Movember at CERN: helping you take care of your health
Voir en français Breast cancer and prostate cancer are among the most common cancers worldwide – but early detection can save lives. Regular screening, awareness of risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices are key to prevention and to better health outcomes in the event of illness. This autumn, the CERN Medical Service is joining the Pink October and Movember campaigns to raise awareness and answer your questions.
Introducing CERN’s new general Safety knowledge base
The new General Safety Knowledge Base is an online resource designed to help CERN personnel quickly find answers to frequently asked questions across all Safety domains. This dynamic FAQ-style platform complements the official Safety rules webpage, which remains the authoritative source for CERN’s legal framework in matters of Safety, including Safety guidelines.
Four new members elected to the Senior Staff Consultative Committee (“The Nine”) in 2025
Voir en français The electronic voting process for the Senior Staff Consultative Committee (known as “the Nine”) closed at midnight on Sunday, 31 August 2025. A second ballot was closed at midnight on Tuesday, 9 September, to resolve the tie between two candidates. The Senior Staff Consultative Committee was created in 1981 to serve as a channel of communication between the senior staff (grade 8 and above) and the Director-General.
A healthy mind for a calmer future - Lunchtime talk on 9 October
Voir en français Stability isn’t just for beams – let’s start taking care of our mental alignment as well Mental health is a critical issue. According to a study conducted in 29 countries, one in every two people will experience a mental health disorder by the age of 75. The risks are even higher in the fields of science and academia, with above-average levels of stress, anxiety and burn-out.
An upgrade to simplify CERN expenditure tracking (CET)
CERN staff responsible for managing budgets and/or contracts can now use a single-entry point for all their reporting needs. The CERN Expenditure Tracking (CET) tool has been upgraded to help facilitate the introduction of Power BI – Microsoft’s business analytics platform – into Finance and Procurement (FP) reporting. CET now serves as a portal and provides access to three new Power BI reports: Budget Follow-Up: available to CET users, providing a consolidated view of budget performance.
Information for members of the personnel residing in France: Energy Cheque in France
Voir en français It has been noted that some members of the CERN personnel residing in France may have erroneously received assistance with paying their energy bills, in the form of an "energy cheque" (see https://chequeenergie.gouv.fr). This scheme, set up by the French authorities, is intended for low-income households whose reference tax income is below a certain ceiling, to help them pay their energy bills (gas, electricity, heating).
The “Futur en tous genres” programme at CERN: share your craft and inspire the next generation
Voir en français On Thursday, 13 November 2025, join us for another edition of the “Futur en tous genres” programme at CERN, an initiative that aims to broaden the professional horizons of young people beyond gender stereotypes. We will invite the children to explore various professional fields, encouraging them to think freely and without bias about their future careers.
Investigating beneath Lake Geneva
Voir en français This animation shows how different layers of the lake’s bed are being mapped as part of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Feasibility Study Two techniques are revealing the geological layers beneath the lakebed. (Image: CERN) As part of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Feasibility Study, Lake Geneva underwater investigations have now begun.
Happy 2nd birthday to CERN Science Gateway
Voir en français Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle is the Director for International Relations. After two years of operation, CERN Science Gateway has welcomed more than 750 000 visitors from across the world, thanks to the commitment of the CERN community We reached a fantastic milestone on 1 October 2025: a total of 750 000 visitors from 179 countries or territories have come to CERN Science Gateway since it opened to the public two years ago.
Fusing forces - accelerating open science through collaboration Original
More than 350 participants from over 40 countries met at CERN to discuss the future of open science Releasing the World Wide Web software into the public domain revolutionised global culture, helping people share information more widely than ever before. This was a key moment in CERN’s long history of open science, a movement which aims to make scientific research and its applications accessible to all.
Upcoming events
Check out this curated list of upcoming events for the CERN community 13–15 Oct | Experiments | Council Chamber & Main Auditorium | Neutrino Platform | EN nuSCOPE Workshop 14 Oct 14:30 | At CERN | Council Chamber & online | Pension Fund | EN & FR Annual Information Meeting of the Pension Fund 14 Oct 16:15 | Knowledge Sharing | Council Chamber | KT Seminars | EN Optimising cooling and ventilation motors to save energy: How CERN can be used as a sustainability blueprint for other facilities...
A newcomer among CERN self-rescue masks: meet DEZEGA CARBO 30
Anyone entering underground facilities such as the SPS, the LHC and the experimental caverns must be equipped with a self-rescue mask: a life-saving breathing apparatus designed to protect against respiratory hazards such as oxygen deficiency, smoke, toxic fumes and gases.
A new look for CERN’s Main Building
On 1 October, a new branch of the CERN Community Support Centre (CCSC) opened on the ground floor of the Main Building (Building 60). As previously announced, this new branch is a natural extension of the existing CCSC in Building 33 and is designed to serve the CERN community who already have access to the site.
Renovation of the Main Workshop (B100) to begin in October 2025
Voir en français The renovation of the Main Workshop (Building 100) started on 1 October 2025. This iconic facility, dating back to 1957, is set for a full transformation to meet today’s standards of safety, performance and sustainability (Image: CERN) The Main Workshop, a historic building dating back to 1957, is a cornerstone of CERN’s technical infrastructure.
Central heating: the white smoke came out!
On Wednesday 8 October 2025, the white smoke came out from the heating plants at Meyrin and Prévessin sites, meaning that the heating has been turned back on. The heating and feeling of warmth will spread throughout CERN and all buildings will be heated within the next few days. The date on which the heating is switched on is determined to optimise energy consumption.
14 October: Annual Information Meeting of the Pension Fund
Voir en français All members and beneficiaries of the Pension Fund are invited to attend the Annual Information Meeting, which will take place: on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber (503-1-001) and by webcast French/English interpretation will be available via Zoom videoconference. As well as providing an update on the Pension Fund, the PFGB Chair and the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
CERN Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) - UNIQA office moving back to the Main Building
Voir en français From 1 October 2025, the UNIQA office will be located back in the Main Building in the newly refurbished CERN Community Support Centre (CCSC). Due to the move, the UNIQA office will be exceptionally closed on Tuesday 30 September. The UNIQA team will still be reachable by email and phone. Alongside the UNIQA office, there will be other internal services for the CERN community.
2025 Beamline for Schools winners at CERN, DESY and the University of Bonn
From 10 to 24 September, CERN, DESY (the German electron synchrotron facility) and University of Bonn welcomed the winners of the 2025 Beamline for Schools (BL4S) competition. Beamline for Schools is an education and outreach project funded through the CERN & Society Foundation that started in 2014 in the context of CERN’s 60th anniversary.
Upcoming events
Check out this curated list of upcoming events for the CERN community 27 Feb 16:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Auditorium | CERN Colloquium | EN A Quantum Leap in Quantum Information: Quantum computing, simulation, communication and metrology with quantum optical platforms 7 Mar 09:30 | Knowledge Sharing | 30/7-018 - Kjell Johnsen Auditorium | KT Seminars | EN A Brief History of Time: From High-Energy Physics to AI-Driven Cancer Care 14 Mar 14:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Online | CERN Alumni | EN...
CERN Security Policy
CERN is committed to maintaining a secure environment for its personnel, site and assets. In line with this commitment, the Director-General has adopted the CERN Security Policy in order to set out the framework for the physical protection of CERN personnel and any other contributors on the CERN site, of the CERN site itself and of the property and assets in the Organization’s custody.
Private parties in Restaurant 1 - Terms and conditions
Note that only authorised private parties can take place in Restaurant no.1. The authorisation has to be sought, at least 48 hours in advance, through CERN Service Portal: Authorisation request to organise a drink in the Restaurant 1 extension. The terms and conditions are the following: Operational Circular No.08 Dealing with alcohol-related problems shall be observed. Private events shall not disturb activities of the Organization in any respect.
Upcoming events
Check out this curated list of upcoming events for the CERN community 11 Feb 12:00 | At CERN | Restaurant 1 | Women in Technology & Aid For All | EN&FR Women in Technology (WIT) cake sale in support of Aid For All on the occasion of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science 11 & 13 Feb 12:00 | At CERN | Restaurants 1, 2 & 3 | Diversity & Inclusion Programme | EN&FR CERN D&I Programme awareness campaign: learn more about their initiatives, including 25 by ’25 14 Feb 13:30 |...
Adjustment of the internal tax scale
Voir en français In application of Article R V 2.03 of the Staff Regulations, the internal tax scale has been adjusted with effect on 1 January 2024 In application of Article R V 2.03 of the Staff Regulations, the internal tax scale has been adjusted with effect on 1 January 2024. The new scale may be consulted via the CERN Admin e-guide. The notification of internal annual tax certificate for the financial year 2024 takes into account this adjustment.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
On 11 February, CERN celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To celebrate diversity and representation in STEM-related fields, we asked six female scientists from CERN to share their stories and their advice for the future generation of scientists. Irene is a Spanish theoretical physicist working in the Theory department at CERN. Her research interests include string theory, theoretical cosmology and particle physics.
Summer work for children of members of the personnel
Voir en français During the period from 16 June to 5 September 2025 inclusive, there will be a limited number of jobs for summer work at CERN (normally unskilled work of routine nature), which will be made available to children of members of the personnel (i.e. anyone holding an employment or association contract with the Organization). Candidates must be aged between 18 and 24 inclusive on the first day of the contract and must have insurance covering illness.
Composition of the Joint Advisory Disciplinary Board (JADB / CPCD)
2025 Exercise Appointed by the Director-General Appointed by the Staff Association Members John PYM / DG Nick ZIOGAS / IPT 1st deputies Rosario PRINCIPE / ATS Gunnar LINDELL / HSE 2nd deputies Julia DOUBLE / HSE Nicolas SALOMON / PF John Pym and Nick Ziogas have drawn up the following list of staff members from among whom the Chairperson of the Board may be chosen when required: Sophie BARON / EP Kandy MITCHELL / PF Johan BREMER / TE Alberto PACE / IT Ilias EFTHYMIOPOULOS / BE Gabriel THIEDE...
CERN Science Gateway welcomes its 500 000th visitor
CERN Science Gateway has welcomed its 500 000th visitor, just 16 months after it opened to the public. Since October 2023, the Laboratory’s education and outreach centre has been a must-visit for tourists to Geneva, showcasing the science, discoveries and technology of CERN in an interactive way, housed in a unique building designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Damian (left) and Saira (right) took a two-day trip from Zurich to Geneva, with an obligatory stop at Science Gateway.
Taxation in Switzerland
I – Internal tax annual certificate and individual annual statement for 2024 Your internal tax annual certificate or individual annual statement for 2024, issued by the Finance and Administrative Processes Department, is available via MyFiles (under “Financial and Social Benefits"). The document that you have received (certificate or statement) depends on your situation at CERN in 2024. It is intended exclusively for the tax authorities.
Swiss artist Amanda E. Metzger selected for the Connect residency Original
Swiss artist Amanda E. Metzger will come to CERN for a two-month residency as the artist selected for the latest edition of Connect. Metzger’s artistic practice centres on network theory, authorship and the complexities of unquantifiable data. Working across installations, videos, objects and photographs, she explores how memories are created, measured, and shared. Supported by the Arts at CERN team, the artist will meet CERN scientists and visit the Laboratory with them for two months.
Who is eligible for a free Unireso travel pass?
Under-25-year-olds who meet certain criteria can apply for a free Unireso travel pass Courtesy of the State of Geneva, Unireso travel passes for the Geneva public transport network (TPG) are now available free of charge for the following people: Please note that if you are living outside the Canton of Geneva and are not affiliated with a Geneva-based educational establishment, you are not entitled to a free pass. To get your travel pass, you will need to provide proof of your status.
Administrative Circular No. 30 (Rev.5) - “Financial benefits on taking up appointment and on termination of contract”
Voir en français A revised version of Administrative Circular No. 30 (Rev.5), entitled "Financial benefits on taking up appointment and on termination of contract", has been approved by the Director-General and is available via the following link. This version cancels and replaces Administrative Circular No. 30 (Rev.4), entitled " Financial benefits on taking up appointment and on termination of contract”, dated October 2022.
Strengthening fire and rescue collaboration
In December 2024, the CERN Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) and Geneva Airport’s Fire and Rescue Service (Service de Sauvetage et de Lutte contre les Incendies Aéroportuaires – SSLIA) signed a collaboration agreement to enhance their training and preparedness. The collaboration enables both teams to train in realistic fire scenarios at each other’s facilities – the CFRS at the airport and the SSLIA at CERN’s Prévessin training facilities.
The “Meyrin-Prévessin Express” pilot shuttle service becomes official
In February 2024, the SCE, SY and BE departments launched a pilot project for a new shuttle service between the Meyrin and Prévessin sites – the Meyrin–Prévessin Express. This reinforced version of Circuit 5 increased shuttles during peak times, including over lunchtime. After one year of service, the results and feedback are very positive. The Meyrin–Prévessin Express has therefore now been made part of the official CERN shuttle service.
Safety Incident at CERN - 17 January 2025
On 17 January 2025, an Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) safety incident occurred on the CERN site in Building 182, which is dedicated to Neutrino Platform activities. The incident involved two members of the CERN personnel who lost consciousness while working in a confined space used to contain Argon. Immediate assistance was provided by close colleagues, the CERN Fire and Rescue service, and a doctor from a local hospital.
Sign up for CERN’s Environmentally Responsible Procurement e-learning course
As part of its commitment to environmentally responsible research, CERN published its Environmentally Responsible Procurement Policy in 2023, with accompanying measures to positively influence procurement-related emissions, which represent approximately one third of the Organization’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Find out who won the 2024 End-of-Year Crossword
Thank you to everyone who took part in the CERN community crossword, here are the winners and the solutions 16 January, 2025 | By Internal Communication Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 end-of-year crossword for the CERN Community. We hope that you had fun and enjoyed looking back on the past year’s achievements with us.
Happy 2025 to the CERN community!
Happy 2025 to you all! I wish you, as well as your families, a year filled with health, happiness and success. May this year also bring well-being and personal fulfilment and growth to each of you. In 2025, we have exciting new challenges to tackle and many opportunities to seize. And I am confident that, together, we will continue to make CERN and our field shine. In the New Year presentation on 14 January, the Directors and I gave a few examples of the great accomplishments in 2024.
Electrical Safety Awareness Day
Electricity powers our world, but what’s your level of confidence with it? Are you switched on to electrical safety best practices, or could your knowledge use a spark to ensure you and others stay safe? We all interact with electricity every day, but we may not be fully aware of the risks it poses.
Buy your Geneva public transport tickets at the CAGI kiosk
Voir en français The CAGI cultural kiosk in CERN’s Main Building is now an official point of sale for TPG (Image: Transports Publics Genevois) The International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI) cultural kiosk at CERN is now an official point of sale for TPG, the Geneva public transport company.
Official holidays in 2025 and end-of-year closure 2025/2026
(In accordance with Articles R II 4.38 and R II 4.39 of the Staff Regulations) Official holidays in 2025 (in addition to special leave during the annual closure): Wednesday, 1 January (New Year) Friday, 18 April (Good Friday) Monday, 21 April (Easter Monday) Thursday, 1 May (1 May) Thursday, 29 May (Ascension day) Monday, 9 June (Whit Monday) Thursday, 11 September ("Jeûne genevois") Wednesday, 24 December (Christmas Eve) Thursday, 25 December (Christmas) Wednesday, 31 December (New Year’s...
Road safety at CERN: respect the rules, respect each other
Voir en français Safety isn’t just about our workspaces; it extends to how we conduct ourselves on the roads on and around the CERN site Safety isn’t just about our workspaces; it extends to how we conduct ourselves on the roads on and around the CERN site. Every day, CERN’s entrances see heavy traffic from cars, bicycles and pedestrians and, unfortunately, frequent disregard for the highway code creates serious safety risks. The entrances to the CERN site are particularly accident-prone zones.
Upcoming events
Check out this curated list of upcoming events for the CERN community 28 Jan 13:00 | Computing | Online | Office of Data Privacy | EN/FR Data Protection Day 2025 "AI beyond the hype" 28 Jan 13:30 | Knowledge Sharing | CERN Library | Archives, Library and Open Science events | EN Meet the authors of "Detectors in particle physics" 30 Jan 16:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Auditorium | CERN Colloquium | EN Long Baseline Neutrino Experiments and the enabling role of the CERN Neutrino Platform:...
Using portable heaters at CERN
As temperatures drop, portable heaters can provide extra warmth in the workplace. Portable electric heaters were removed from the CERN Stores at the end of 2022 as an energy-saving measure. However, as some buildings are less well insulated than others and people’s tolerance of lower temperatures varies, many of us still use portable heaters, procured before 2022 or from outside CERN, to keep warm. Their use comes with significant safety risks, particularly relating to fire.
Sign up for the 2025 Mentoring@CERN programme
Following the success of last year’s pilot round, the LHC Early Career Mentoring Committee and CERN’s Women in Technology network are thrilled to announce the continuation of the Mentoring@CERN programme in 2025. This unique initiative aims to foster professional development and support within the CERN community by connecting mentors and mentees across all disciplines and career levels.
Extension of the pre-retirement programmes
Following a recommendation by the Standing Concertation Committee at its meeting on 28 November 2024 and approval by the Director-General, please note that the Part-Time Work as a Pre-retirement Measure Scheme and the Progressive Retirement Programme have been extended by one year, from 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2025. Further information is available on the following links:
Works on the Route du Nant-d’Avril from January 13, 2025
Roadworks on the Route du Nant-d’Avril will be carried out by the canton of Geneva from 13 January 2025, for approximately 11 months. Traffic on Route du Nant-d'Avril to operate in one direction between the roundabouts of Rue de la Bergère and Rue de Veyrot, in the direction of Route du Mandement.
Preventing winter falls and injuries
Every winter brings an increase in the number of visits to the infirmary, particularly in connection with falls or injuries as a result of icy roads and paths or winter sports of one kind or another. According to Suva, the Swiss national accident insurance fund, more than 34 000 employees are injured practising winter sports every year in Switzerland (2024 figure); in France, that number reaches 122 000 (winter 2021–2022 statistics from the French monitoring body for winter sport accidents).
Service availability during CERN’s annual closure 2024/2025
Voir en français General site services As always, in addition to the Fire and Rescue service (+41 22 76) 74444, the Security service remains operational every day (24/7) and can be reached at (+41 22 76) 76666. SCE department services that do not depend on continuous human presence will remain available, although at a reduced support level. In general, the response time for common issues will be half a day (but this is not guaranteed).
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