Large Hadron Collider takes precedence in new CERN scientific strategy

Brussels, 22 Jun 2004

The completion of the Large Hadron Collider was outlined as the top priority for CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) when Director General Robert Aymar outlined a new seven point scientific strategy on 18 June.

The last phase of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project is scheduled to begin in 2007, said Dr Aymar. In parallel, CERN will aim to upgrade the existing CERN infrastructure so as to ensure reliable operation of the LHC. The third priority is to look into a possible experimental programme, which would be separate from the LHC, Dr Aymar added.

Fourth, continued the Director General, CERN must develop its coordinating role in the growing field of European research. Dr Aymar referred to two current projects partly funded by the EU by way of example. The first, the CARE project (Coordination of Accelerator Research in Europe), could lead to the upgrading of the LHC in 2012, while the EUROTEV project would enable CERN to participate in generic research and development (R&D) issues, potentially with a view to building a new linear collider in the future.

The fifth priority on Dr Aymar's list is the building, due to start in 2006, of a linear accelerator injector to offer more intense beams for the LHC. This is to be followed by an increased R&D effort to achieve CLIC, 'CERN's novel new accelerator technology, which could open the way to much higher energies than are available today,' said Dr Aymar. The organisation has already received 18 expressions of interest from laboratories around the world interested in the project.

The final point on the strategy list is the preparation of 'a comprehensive review of CERN's long-term activity, to be available by 2010, when results from the LHC will have given a first description of the particle physics landscape for years to come,' said Mr Aymar in his concluding remarks.

Despite delays to the installation of the LHC, Dr Lyn Evans, the LHC project leader, insisted that CERN is intent on starting work in 2007.

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