CERN at ESOF 2016
CERN had a major presence at the ESOF2016 conference this week, largely in collaboration with our EIROforum partners. A keynote session featuring the CERN Director-General, Fabiola Gianotti, EMBL Director-General, Iain Mattaj, and ESO Director for Science, Rob Ivison, and chaired by BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh debated the value of European collaboration in science.
The focal point of EIROforum’s presence was a stand highlighting the societal benefit of EIROforum science. (Image: Matt Wilkinson Photography/ ESOF 2016)
A double session covered the science of the EIROs, with ATLAS physicist Claire Lee representing CERN, and there was a session exploring the ways that the EIROforum organisations create business value locally, with the leader of the Knowledge Transfer group, Giovanni Anelli, representing CERN.
The focal point of EIROforum’s presence was a stand highlighting the societal benefit of EIROforum science. Side events linked to the stand discussed subjects such as working at the EIROs, business opportunities with the EIROs, and technological innovation at the EIROs. During her day in Manchester, the Director-General took time out for “Pi(e) with the Prof”, a chance for young researchers at the start of their careers to meet leading researchers in an informal setting.
SESAME was also present at ESOF. As the machine’s main ring nears completion in Jordan, the laboratory is on the verge of starting its research programme. The main ring magnets and power supplies were provided by the EC-funded CESSAMag project coordinated by CERN. A keynote session discussed the scientific and diplomatic opportunities that SESAME opens up for the region and its neighbouring countries.
