A word from the DG: A look to the future

The year 2006 has been an eventful one for particle physics in Europe. Here at CERN, the LHC project has progressed steadily towards the goal of a November 2007 start-up. Although difficulties have inevitably been encountered along the way, they have been overcome. There is growing confidence that any future hurdles can also be overcome, and that the tight commissioning schedule can be met.

Looking beyond the LHC start-up, the European strategy process initiated by Council in 2005 has been gaining momentum. Following unanimous endorsement of the strategy by Council at a special meeting in Lisbon on 14 July 2006, Europe now has a coherent long-term vision for particle physics research. At the October meeting of Council, a working group was established under the chairmanship of Professor Gregor Herten of Freiburg University to define how the Council should adapt to its new role and obligations, how it should interface with the European Union and other regions, and how its subsidiary committees should be composed. At last week's Council meeting, the complementary issues of technology transfer and communication were discussed, with the result that coordination of both will be strengthened at the European level.

Now I would like to turn to two issues that concern us all personally. As you all know, a study group made up of Council delegates along with a representative of ESO has made a proposal to change the mode of governance of the pension fund. At last week's meetings, that proposal was not approved and a new and larger study group established. The new group has the remit of elaborating concrete and detailed proposals for a new governance structure, taking into account technical and legal aspects pertinent to the proper functioning of the pension fund of an international organization. When this group reports, I will keep you informed of its recommendations.

The second issue is the 5-yearly review, which reached a conclusion at last week's meetings. The results, I am convinced, give this Organization a greater ability to recruit and retain staff of the highest calibre through improvements in the career structure and a more family-oriented employment policy. The last element of the review, approved last week, was a streamlined procedure for future reviews.

Finally, I would like to wish you all the very best for the festive season, and invite you to my presentation to personnel on 18 January next year.

Robert Aymar