CERN, Geneva, the pan-European laboratory for the study of particle physics and, incidentally, the birthplace of the World Wide Web, employs some 10 000 people which includes about half the world’s pool of physicists.

CERN (abbreviation of the French for European Nuclear Research Centre) is a fascinating part of Geneva’s history. Following WWII, it was recognised that Europe had to collaborate to advance in the domain of particle physics. The creation of a European Laboratory was recommended at a UNESCO meeting in Florence in 1950, and less than three years later a Convention was signed by 12 countries. CERN was born, the prototype of a chain of European institutions in space, astronomy and molecular biology, and Europe was poised to regain its illustrious place on the scientific map.

The presence of the unique CERN facility has had a profound effect on Geneva and the surrounding region. A visit to the huge underground facilities is nothing less than awesome. Recognition of the grand objectives of the Centre is humbling; the achievements of scientists there inspiring. Around CERN has developed a network of companies, institutions and professionals that has become a vital part of the unique make-up that is Geneva’s. Many of the no fewer than 44 Nobel prizes awarded to residents of Geneva came as a result of the presence of CERN in the city.

Apart from being the largest single private employer in Geneva, CERN has had a considerable synergistic effect on the whole Franco-Genevan region attracting many high tech companies and generating a number of spin-off start-ups that have added to the critical mass of leading edge companies and organisations in the region.

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Why high-tech leaders choose Geneva Link

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