Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education participates in the ceremony of the 70th anniversary of CERN
01.10.2024
On October 1, 2024 the Geneva based European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) celebrated the 70th anniversary of its establishment. In the ceremony organized to mark this important anniversary, which was held at CERN premises in Geneva, Poland was represented by the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Dr Maria Mrówczyńska. The Polish delegation also included the head of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the United Nations in Geneva, Minister Plenipotentiary Mirosław Broiło, as well as representatives of the Department of Innovation and Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Mr. Michał Goszczyński, Deputy Director, and Mr. Dariusz Drewniak, Counsellor General.
CERN is the most important and unique on a global scale scientific and research project. Since its launching on September 29 1954, the Organization has carried out leading research in the field of particle physics. Some of the discoveries made at CERN have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
Today, CERN, with the active participation of 24 member states, is the largest particle research laboratory in the world and owner of many breakthrough technologies and solutions that have not only been used in advanced scientific work, but also changed our everyday lives. Discussions are currently underway on directions of further research and significant investments in research equipment. This is critical for defining key provisions for development of international science in the coming decades. New countries are also systematically joining CERN. In recent months, the Organization welcomed Estonia as a new Member.
Since Poland joined CERN in 1991, Polish scientists, researchers, engineers and experts in various fields have been actively participating in the most important research and activities of the Organization. More than 10 leading universities and research institutes from Poland are involved in cooperation with CERN. In order to promote science and research among Polish youth, regular study visits to CERN are organized, and students from Polish schools systematically participate in part-time international workshops offered by the Organization. Polish entrepreneurs who participate in procurement procedures are increasingly involved in CERN's activities. It is estimated that in recent years the value of supplies of goods and services provided by Polish entities has exceeded 0.5 billion of Polish zloty. The products represent the highest standards and quality.
Nearly 100 Poles are employed at CERN. Every year, a large group of Polish scholars and students at various stages of their research come here to excel their scientific work and profit from the international scientific dialogue. National institutions continue their efforts to increase the presence of the Polish citizens at CERN, which should help strengthen the Polish scientific and research potential and our participation in international projects of key importance for the development of science.
The ceremony, which was an opportunity to reconfirm commitment to continue active cooperation with CERN, was attended by high-level representatives from many countries and institutions.
On the sidelines of the events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of CERN, bilateral meetings between the Polish delegation and representatives from other countries were also held. The visit to Geneva of Deputy Minister Maria Mrówczyńska was also an opportunity to meet Polish nationals working at CERN.
Poland also joined the CERN initiative aimed at hosting by member states various promotional and information events presenting CERN heritage. This spring an exhibition entitled CERN Accelerating Science, was featured in several Polish cities (Chorzów, Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk. Currently (until October 13, 2024) the exhibition hosted by the Faculty of Physics of the Poznań University of Adam Mickiewicz, and from October 25 it will be presented in the Main Auditorium of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
