On 30 August CERN welcomed Estonia as its 24th Member State, marking the end of a formal application process that started in 2018 and crowning a period of cooperation that stretches back three decades.
“Estonia is delighted to join CERN as a full member because CERN accelerates more than tiny particles, it also accelerates international scientific collaboration and our economies,” said Estonia president Alar Karis. “We have seen this potential during our time as Associate Member State and are keen to begin our full contribution.”
The bilateral relationship formally began in 1996, when Estonia and CERN signed a first cooperation agreement. Estonia has been part of the CMS collaboration since 1997, participating in data analysis and the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid, for which Estonia operates a Tier 2 centre in Tallinn. Researchers from Estonia also contribute to other experiments including CLOUD, COMPASS, NA66 and TOTEM, and to studies for future colliders, while Estonian theorists are highly involved in collaborations with CERN.
“Estonia and CERN have been collaborating closely for some 30 years, and I am very pleased to welcome Estonia to the ever-growing group of CERN Member States,” said Director-General Fabiola Gianotti. “I am sure the country and its scientific community will benefit from increased opportunities in fundamental research, technology development, and education and training.”
Estonia has held Associate Member State status in the pre-stage to membership of CERN since February 2021. As a full Member State, Estonia will now have voting rights in the CERN Council, enhanced opportunities for Estonian nationals to be recruited by CERN and for Estonian industry to bid for CERN contracts.
“On behalf of the CERN Council, I warmly welcome Estonia as the newest Member State of CERN,” said Council president Eliezer Rabinovici. “I am happy to see the community of CERN Member States enlarging, and I am looking forward to the enhanced participation of Estonia in the CERN Council and to its additional scientific contributions to CERN.”
