The members of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, voted Estonia for full membership of the organization. This further expands the opportunities for Estonian entrepreneurs, researchers and students to participate in high-tech research and development through student internships, working in an organization, and procurement.
“CERN’s industrial procurement is high-tech, and in cooperation with CERN it is possible to develop new capabilities, products and technologies, helping the achievements of top science to reach business. The requirements of these procurements are high, and relying on CERN’s global reputation, their participation is a strong reference and quality mark from the point of view of the exporting company,” said Estonian Minister of Economy and Information Technology Tiit Riisalo.
By being included among the full members of CERN, Estonia gets the right to vote in the CERN Council, the CERN Finance Committee and the CERN Science Policy Committee. Through the CERN Council, Estonia can participate in CERN’s decision-making processes and management of the organization, including the planning and decision-making of new research programs and experiments.
CERN is an international research institution that was founded by 12 founding members in 1954. To date, CERN has 23 members, plus ten associate members (including Estonia) and observer members, including, for example, the USA and Japan.
Estonian companies will also have the opportunity to participate in international industrial procurement without limits, the limits will also disappear for Estonian citizens when applying for jobs and internships in the organization.
The number of companies registered in the CERN procurement database has increased from 13 to 59 in two years. So far, Harju Elekter has received the only contract with a volume of more than one million euros, but Helmes, Tallinna Elektrotehnika Tehas “Estel”, Radius Machining, Miltton Events and others are also CERN suppliers.
In order for Estonia’s full member status in CERN to take effect, the decision of the full members of CERN still needs domestic approval, both in the government and parliament.
CERN´s purpose of the organization is to ensure the cooperation of European countries in the field of nuclear research. CERN’s main activities are high-energy physics research and the development of the necessary technology (including information technology). In addition, CERN trains students, scientists and engineers.
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