Educational visits to CERN

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was founded in 1954 on the Franco-Swiss border, near Geneva, and today comprises 20 Member States, with Greece being one of its 12 founding members. It represents one of the first joint European efforts in advancing research and innovation and is one of the largest research centres in the world.
Its scientific activity focuses on fundamental physics, aiming to understand the structure of matter and the nature of the universe. CERN’s accelerators and detectors—the most advanced scientific instruments in the world—enable researchers to study elementary particles, the basic building blocks of matter. Through the analysis of their collisions, physicists uncover the laws of nature and discover new physical phenomena. Accelerators propel beams of charged particles to speeds approaching the speed of light, causing controlled collisions, while detectors record their interactions, allowing the exploration of the most fundamental questions in physics.

Each year, many schools visit CERN, offering students the opportunity to experience a unique educational journey. During their stay, they attend workshops where, working in groups, they conduct experiments as young scientific researchers. At the same time, they are guided through the laboratory’s exhibition areas, where they engage with its history, technologies, and achievements.
These visits enhance students’ knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and interest in science, providing them with valuable inspiration. As part of its active support for the educational community and the promotion of scientific knowledge, AIGEA AMKE enabled many students to visit CERN during the 2023–2024 period by covering the necessary travel and accommodation expenses.
Thanks to this generous initiative, students from the following schools had the opportunity to experience first-hand one of the world’s most important scientific organisations:

• 2nd Gymnasium of Paiania
• 2nd General Lyceum of Nea Makri
• 1st Vocational High School of Acharnes
• Keratea Gymnasium
• 1st General Lyceum of Spata
• General Lyceum of Kaminia
• 1st General Lyceum of Nea Makri
• 3rd Vocational High School of Acharnes
• General Lyceum of Marathon
• 2nd General Lyceum of Artemida
• 12th Gymnasium of Acharnes

Through this experience, students were able to gain first-hand insight into CERN’s research work, explore the forefront of scientific discovery, and draw inspiration for their future, acquiring valuable knowledge and experiences.