CERN- unique experience for Georgian scientists

Newspaper “Rezonansi”, 30^th of December

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (“CERN”) is an intergovernmental organization having its seat at Geneva, Switzerland; together with the local scientists, Georgian researchers and scientists actively take part in the activities of the centre.

The delegation of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia paid an official visit in Switzerland. In the scope of the visit, the Minister Dimitri Shashkini, Director-General of European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Rolf-Dieter Heuer and Director of Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), signed the document of Joint Co-operation in High-Energy Physics and Related Technologies. In the framework of the signed document, Georgian scientist will be able to participate in collaborative CERN-JINR international scientific projects. The document also envisages the exchange of scientists.

The Minister sums up the outcomes of this visit:

Mr. Minister, what are the priorities of the Ministry in science for 2012 year?

The Georgian government has elaborated a comprehensive strategy for development and popularization of science, 25 million GEL has been allocated specifically for science in the budget of 2012 year. This is large amount for a small country. The goal of this strategy is to engage Georgia in those scientific and research activities that will bring tangible results. With this purpose, Georgian governments funds participation of Georgian scientists in important international projects.

Why is it important to cooperate with CERN?

CERN is an international laboratory for particle physicists, providing some of the most technologically advanced facilities for their research into the basic building blocks of the Universe. Specialist facilities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for individual nations to build include advanced particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, and facilities for the production of exotic forms of matter, including antimatter. CERN has established a reputation at the forefront of research, proven through its experiments.

Scientists are seeking and finding answers to questions about the Universe. This is reflected in the experiments, which are usually run by international collaborations, bringing together teams of physicists from different counties.

We are proud, that currently, 33 Georgian scientists work for the CERN. Countries bigger than Georgia, have almost the same number of scientists represented at the organization.

Different scientific projects are run at CERN that produce concrete products and Georgian scientists contribute to these processes.  For example, IT specialists of Georgian technical University are taking part in conducting the Compact Muon Solenoid CMS experiment.

How will you assess the visit of Georgian delegation to CERN?

The agreements concluded with CERN will give Georgian scientists and researchers opportunity to participate in different experiments and projects, this is very significant.

Is Ministry considering continuing its collaboration with CERN is the future as well?

Director-General, Rolf-Dieter Heuer will pay an official visit to Georgia in    February 2012, the Ministry is planning to implement a large scale project in collaboration with CERN; It is very essential that in the scope of the current memorandum concluded with CERN teachers of Physics and students of Physics Faculties will take up internships at CERN.