Ireland joins CERN for research and procurement access

Ireland has officially joined the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) as an associate member, opening new opportunities for researchers, students, and companies. The membership provides access to CERN’s scientific programmes, staff positions, fellowships, and formal training schemes, covering areas such as electronics, photonics, materials, energy systems, and software.

Irish enterprises can now compete in CERN procurement programmes, creating avenues for R&D partnerships and market expansion. The Government will oversee membership through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, with a National Advisory Committee established to benchmark and monitor Ireland’s performance.

Associate membership enhances STEM teaching, learning, and skill development nationally, offering targeted workshops, outreach activities, and next-generation research facilities. Irish academics and companies can leverage CERN’s global network for innovation, training, and technological development, further integrating Ireland into the international scientific ecosystem.

The process began with Ireland’s application in 2023, followed by an assessment mission in 2024. The agreement was signed in Geneva in May 2025 and ratified later in the year, finalising Ireland’s formal entry. The move positions Ireland to contribute to global discovery efforts and to strengthen the country’s innovation capacity across research, education, and industry.

The Government and academic institutions view this step as pivotal for Ireland’s participation in frontier research and technological development, enabling the nation to gain from CERN’s extensive resources and networks.

Discover the scope of Ireland’s CERN membership and how it can benefit research and industry engagement in the full story.