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Crystals in the LHC

Bent crystals can be used to deflect charged particle beams. Their use in high-energy accelerators has been investigated for almost 40 years. Recently, a bent crystal was irradiated for the first time in the HiRadMat facility with an extreme particle flux, which crystals would have to withstand in the LHC. The results were very encouraging and confirmed that this technology could play a major role in increasing the beam collimation performance in future upgrades of the machine. >>

Particle physics: a valuable driver of innovation in medicine… and physics

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the European Network for Light Ion Therapy (ENLIGHT), which is a good occasion a look back over the important contributions particle physics has made to medicine over the years. It’s hard to know exactly where to start, but since this year also marks the 20th anniversary of Georges Charpak’s Nobel Prize, that seems as good a place as any. >>

LHC Report: Omnium-gatherum

The last couple of weeks have seen a mixed bag of special runs, luminosity production, machine development and down-time. >>

Stopping the haemorrhage

The cryogenic line, which has been supplying liquid helium to the SM18 Hall area dedicated for tests on radiofrequency cavities and cryomodules for the past 20 years, is currently being dismantled. It will soon be replaced with a state-of-the-art infrastructure with an up to 10 times enhanced performance. >>

Finding new answers to old questions

Last month, the NA63 collaboration presented its annual update at the 107th meeting of the SPS and PS experiments committee (SPSC). Among the many results presented were new insights into arenas of experimental quantum electrodynamics – including some that will have theorists heading back to the blackboard. >>

Now entering phase two...

Building on the success of their feasibility phase, the CLIC test facility, CTF3, has just launched into a five-year project development phase. This will involve detailed performance optimisation studies, marking the project’s transition from pure research and development to prototyping and construction. >>

Stronger synergies

CERN was founded 58 years ago under the auspices of UNESCO. Since then, both organisations have grown to become world leaders in their respective fields. The links between the two have always existed but today they are even stronger, with new projects under way to develop a more efficient way of exchanging information and devise a common strategy on topics of mutual interest. >>

Destination Serbia: a new life for CERN’s servers

In order to ensure the computing performances that CERN's research needs, the Computer Centre has to replace its computers regularly. After Morocco, Ghana and Bulgaria, it's Serbia’s turn to receive a donation of servers from CERN! >>

CAS Introduction to Accelerator Physics in Spain

The CERN Accelerator School (CAS) and the University of Granada jointly organised a course called "Introduction to Accelerator Physics" in Granada, Spain, from 28 October to 9 November, 2012. >>

Google Science Fair winner visits CERN

Google Science Fair Grand Prize winner Brittany Michelle Wenger today wrapped up a day-and-a-half's visit of the CERN site. Her winning project uses an artificial neural network to diagnose breast cancer – a non-invasive technique with significant potential for use in hospitals. >>

The Higgs boson on tour in Italy

In October and November 2012, several researchers from the Italian Institute of Nuclear Research (INFN) and the University of Bologna took part in “Higgs on Tour” - a series of events proposed by Graziano Bruni, the head of INFN Bologna, and Ivano Dionigi, Chancellor of Bologna University, and created and organised by Barbara Poli.  >>

CERN exhibition attracts over 100,000 visitors in Belgrade

“This must be an 'all-time record',” says Ray Lewis, CERN travelling exhibition manager. “In all my time with the various permanent and travelling exhibitions that have taken place locally and within our Member States I have never experienced such figures.” >>

Dosimetry: an ARDENT topic

The first annual ARDENT workshop took place in Vienna from 20 to 23 November. The workshop gathered together the Early-Stage Researchers (ESR) and their supervisors, plus other people involved from all the participating institutions. >>

CERN's LHC is awarded the 2012 EPS Edison Volta Prize

The European Physical Society (EPS), the Centro di Cultura Scientifica “Alessandro Volta” and Edison S.p.A. have awarded the 2012 EPS Edison Volta Prize for outstanding contributions to physics to three CERN physicists. >>

“Security” is YOU!

Usually, people consider “Computer Security” a technical problem: firewalls, intrusion detection, anti-virus software, encryption… but I don’t. I consider “Computer Security” being like swimming or crossing a road. >>

Ombuds’ corner: Is our respectful workplace strategy working?

“I hope that the Code of Conduct will be a valuable tool in the maintenance and development of a workplace marked by mutual respect and understanding. We should familiarize ourselves with it, and incorporate it into our daily life at CERN.”* >>

News from the Library: CERN Bookshop Christmas sales

If you are looking for an idea for your Christmas gifts, CERN's Central Library Bookshop offers a wide choice of titles in physics, mathematics, computing and popular science. >>

Official News

98TH ACCU MEETING  
End-of-year closure 2012/2013  
Pension payment dates in 2013  

Training and Development

Technical training - Places available  

Announcements

CERN Shop Christmas sale: 10% OFF  
Mail office  
Collide@CERN: Call for inspiration partners  
Restaurant closures  
Information for cyclists  

Events

The Higgs boson at the LHC - a voyage to the heart of matter | by Christophe GROJEAN | December 18  
Séminaire de physique corpusculaire⎪5 December  

Staff Association

Research without a budget, Europe without a future  
GAC-EPA  
A new logo for the CERN Staff Association  
Cine Club  
CERN Choir  
Offers  
Interfon  
Exhibition