UCL delegation visits CERN to strengthen research collaborations

Joining Dr Spence were UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement) Professor Geraint Rees and esteemed faculty members, Professors Jonathan Butterworth and Prof Nikos Konstantinidis, both of whom have deep ties to CERN through their work on the ATLAS Experiment. Lindsay Nicholson MBE, UCL Council Member, and Siobhan O’Brien, UCL Global Engagement Manager, also joined the delegation, reflecting the breadth of expertise and strategic focus of the visit. 

Highlights of the visit included exploring the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider—the largest particle detector ever built and a key site for the discovery of the Higgs boson. The UCL High Energy Physics Group plays a vital role in this experiment, with 22 researchers and 23 PhD students actively contributing to the ATLAS collaboration. 

The delegation also delved into CERN’s initiatives in applications of Artificial Intelligence, quantum, emerging technologies, and industry partnerships, discussing how UCL expertise in data science, engineering, and quantum technologies could deepen existing projects and partnerships.  

UCL and CERN share a commitment to advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and training the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Speaking about the visit, Dr Michael Spence said: 

“CERN is a global hub for scientific discovery, and UCL is proud to play a part in its remarkable work. The visit reinforced the importance of international collaboration in addressing the big questions of science and ensuring innovation benefits society. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to CERN for hosting us and for their continued partnership with UCL.” 

Dr Spence is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he participates in discussions on global research and innovation strategies. 

Meanwhile, a delegation led by Professor Geraint Rees is preparing for an upcoming Europe trip in mid-February, which will include visits to Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Munich. This series of visits aims to strengthen UCL’s partnerships and expand opportunities for collaboration across Europe.