CERN's new Science Gateway education and outreach center opens

According to a statement from Stellantis, CERN introduced the Science Gateway project at its opening event to the President of the Swiss Confederation, ministers from CERN's member and associate member states, other high-level representatives, project donors, and research, education, and outreach partners.

Designed by the world-renowned firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop with the major support of the Stellantis Foundation, the new facility is open to visitors aged 5 and older from all over the world.

The new center is expected to host 500,000 visitors from around the globe annually. The Science Gateway will be open to the public free of charge 6 days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday. The facility will enable CERN to significantly expand its education and outreach activities.

OPEN TO SCIENTISTS AND THE PUBLIC

In the statement, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti highlighted the importance of education and outreach, noting that CERN's fundamental goal is to share the benefits of its research and science with the public.

Gianotti stated, "With the Science Gateway, we will be able to significantly expand this aspect of our mission. We want to show the importance of fundamental research and its applications to society, to welcome everyone who comes here with curiosity and a passion for science, and to encourage young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Science Gateway will be a place where scientists and the public can interact every day. For me personally, the Science Gateway is a dream come true. I am very grateful to everyone who contributed to this project, especially our generous donors."

Stating that CERN is a truly extraordinary facility that allows Switzerland and Geneva to shine on the world stage, Swiss Confederation President Alain Berset remarked, "Those familiar with Venn diagrams will agree that this invisible circle places CERN at the intersection of Switzerland, France, and Europe, symbolizing CERN's commitment to shared scientific and political values."

The project's lead architect, Renzo Piano, also noted that this place is a bridge in the true sense, sharing, "This will be a place where children, students, adults, teachers, and scientists meet, all those who are fascinated by the exploration of the universe, from the largest scale to the smallest particle. This building is powered by the energy of the sun reflected in the middle of a newly formed forest."

FOCUS ON CARBON NEUTRALITY

According to the information in the statement, in addition to its visually striking design, the Science Gateway building also features approximately 4,000 square meters of solar panels that provide more power than it needs, as CERN and the architects aimed for it to be completely carbon neutral. More than 400 trees were planted, ensuring the entire campus remains in the middle of a living forest.

The project was launched in 2018, and the foundation stone was laid on June 21, 2021. The construction of the Science Gateway campus took more than 2 years. The new facility was realized with the generous support of CERN Science Gateway sponsors who share the same values, care for the benefit of society through their contributions, and respect education and knowledge.

The entire cost of the Science Gateway, which reached 100 million Swiss francs, was covered by the support of donors. The Stellantis Foundation, as the single largest donor, contributed 45 million Swiss francs to the project.

As part of a wider community, Stellantis is taking steps to increase the achievements of humanity. Through its philanthropic activities and its foundation, Stellantis paves the way for innovation and excellence in education.

News Source: AA

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