Word of the director

Word of the director

Welcome to the Accelerator and Technology Sector at CERN, where we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of high-energy physics research through the exploitation of our extensive accelerator complex and cutting-edge accelerator technology. As the Director of ATS, I am honored to lead a talented team of scientists, engineers, and technicians who are committed to help advance our understanding of the universe and shape the future of scientific discovery.

In ATS, we believe that scientific progress is a collaborative effort that requires diverse perspectives and skills. We are proud to partner with international organizations, universities, and research centers to tackle some of the challenges of our domain. Our work is not only using technology to unlock the secrets of nature, but it's also about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Through science education and outreach initiatives, we aim to share our passion for discovery with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Thank you for your interest in the Accelerator and Technology Sector. We are happy to share our journey with you.

Mike Lamont
Director for Accelerators & Technology

Our Accelerator Complex...

Complex

 

Mission & Responsibility

The Accelerator and Technology Sector (ATS) at CERN aims to advance the boundaries of high-energy physics research through cutting-edge accelerator technology. 

Our mission is to lead the development, construction, and operation of advanced particle accelerators, and to provide cutting-edge technology solutions that enable new discoveries in fundamental physics. We work in collaboration with international partners and researchers to tackle some of the most complex and fascinating questions about the universe, from the nature of matter to the origins of the cosmos.

As a sector, we are committed to promoting a culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can contribute to the advancement of science and technology. We provide extensive training and professional development opportunities for our staff and researchers, as well as actively engage in science education and outreach initiatives to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Our ultimate goal is to advance our understanding of the universe and contribute to the progress of human knowledge, while also driving technological innovation and fostering international scientific cooperation.

Safety

At ATS, safety is everyone's responsibility and reflected in our safety culture at work. We ensure awareness of risks with clear communication, well-defined responsibilities, and appropriate training. We apply flexible practices for handling both well-defined and poorly-defined situations and share responsibility with employers for contractors' safety. Learning from past experience, we continually monitor, report, and provide feedback for improvement. The Departmental Safety Officer supports the Department head and the members of the Department in fulfilling their obligations in matters of safety .

Our working culture

The working culture of ATS sector is characterized by a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and excellence, making it a challenging and rewarding place to work for those passionate about advancing the frontiers of science and technology. 

Transparent and open management culture supported by smaller department size and improved intra-departmental focus which facilitate technical oversight of operations, project, and R&D related activities.  

Teamwork is a cornerstone of the ATS culture, with employees encouraged to work together to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. 

Innovation is also highly valued in the ATS sector, with employees encouraged to think creatively and explore new ideas. 

Finally, the ATS sector is fully committed to the principles of communication, diversity, mobility that promotes open communication and the free exchange of ideas. From the design and construction of cutting-edge accelerator technologies to the operation and maintenance of these complex systems, people strive to achieve the highest levels of quality and performance.

 

Cern ATS
Cern ATS
Cern ATS
Cern ATS
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Collaborations and Partnerships

The CERN ATS sector has a large number of collaborations and partnerships with institutions and organizations from around the world. These partnerships support the development and operation of CERN's accelerators and promote collaboration in particle physics research on a global scale.

Collaborations & Partnerships

Education & Outreach

CAS MAGNETS 2023

•    The CERN ATS sector is involved in a number of education and outreach activities aiming at maximising knowledge transfer of the sector technology expertise to public domain. Some examples of these are:


•    CERN Accelerator School (CAS), has been a cornerstone of education and training in accelerator science and technology since its establishment at CERN, in 1983. As a unique educational platform, CAS provides specialised training to physicists, engineers, and technicians worldwide, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to advance particle accelerator technologies.
CAS offers a wide range of courses, covering everything from the basics of accelerator physics to cutting-edge developments in the field. CAS courses are offered in various CERN member states, fostering international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and reaching a diverse global audience. This initiative also helps build a robust community of accelerator scientists.
Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced professional, the CERN Accelerator School offers a pathway to deepen your expertise and contribute to the future of accelerator science.

•    Joint Universities Accelerator School (JUAS), where the ATS sector collaborates with other partner institutions to organise the JUAS, which provides training programs on accelerator technology for graduate students and young researchers. The program consists of lectures and hands-on training sessions on various aspects of accelerator technology, including beam dynamics, RF systems, and magnet design.


•    South Africa – CERN program where where ATS in collaboration with iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences (iThemba LABS) gives scientists and research students in South Africa access to the data obtained at CERN and allows them to take part in the running of experiments in Geneva. The outcomes are world class research, participation in global science, high level capacity development, innovation and technology transfer leading to competitive industry and infrastructure, the attraction of high quality young South Africans into the Science and Technology system and the development of the public understanding of science. organise training programs for students and researchers on various aspects of accelerator technology, including the design and operation of accelerators and associated instrumentation.


•    International Particle Accelerator Conference (IPAC) student programmes in conjunction with the annual IPAC conference, which brings together researchers and engineers from around the world to share the latest advances in accelerator technology. The student programmes provide participants with lectures and hands-on training sessions on various aspects of accelerator technology, as well as the opportunity to present their research to the broader community.


•    Science festivals and exhibitions around the world, e.g. the Big Science Business Forum and the EuroScience Open Forum, where the ATS sector is showcasing the latest advances in accelerator technology and promoting interest in the field among the general public.
 

Resources

ATS Resources