Word of the ATS director
Welcome to the Accelerators and Technology Sector [ATS] at CERN where we enable scientific discoveries through the design and operation of diverse accelerator systems and the development of cutting edge technologies and engineering. CERN’s accelerator complex is unique in the world and enables scientific research at the energy frontier of High Energy Particle Physics, providing a rich spectrum of different particle species reaching from protons and electrons over ions and radioactive isotopes up to anti-matter. As Director of the Accelerators and Technology Sector I am honoured to lead a talented team of scientists, engineers and technicians who are committed to advancing our understanding of nature 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 organisations, universities, research centres and industry to tackle the challenges in our field. Our work has impact in many areas of society reaching well beyond scientific research. The non-scientific impact reaches from medical applications [e.g. MRI and hadron therapy for cancer treatment] to industrial manufacturing and broader applications with societal impact.
Our work is not only focused on the development and application of new technologies, but also about inspiring and training 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 and to disseminate our knowledge back to society.
We invite you to explore the different activities in the Accelerators and Technology Sector in more detail though the various links of this webpage.
Oliver Brüning
Director of Accelerators and Technology at CERN
ATS Mission Statement 2026-2030
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.
The 2026-2030 mission of the CERN Accelerators and Technology Sector focuses on ensuring a successful completion to accelerator operation in 2026, delivering the consolidation and upgrades foreseen for the entire complex during Long Shutdown 3, implementing the equipment and infrastructures required for the High Luminosity LHC, and guaranteeing a smooth, gradual restart of the accelerators and their associated experimental facilities.
In addition, the Sector is committed to preparing the next flagship accelerator for CERN, developing the concepts and technologies required to construct a Future Circular Collider (FCC) and other advanced particle accelerators.
The Sector is 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 actively engage in science education and outreach initiatives to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers. We also foster knowledge transfer, promoting the use of CERN technologies for industry, medical applications, sustainability and to meet societal challenges.
Core activities
Safety
At ATS, safety is everyone’s responsibility. We ensure risk awareness through clear communication, defined responsibilities, and appropriate training. We apply flexible practices for all situations, share responsibility for contractors’ safety, and continuously improve through monitoring and feedback. The Departmental Safety Officer supports the Department head and members in fulfilling their safety obligations.
Operation and Exploitation of the Accelerator Complex
Ensure safe and effective exploitation of the accelerators complex, experimental facilities and experimental areas (PS, SPS fixed target areas, ISOLDE and AD Complex).
Consolidation and Upgrades of the Accelerator Complex
The aging accelerator complex requires continuous maintenance and consolidation, with significant planned upgrades like the High Luminosity LHC.
Technologies and R&D
Maintain expertise in accelerator technologies and related support facilities. Coordinate R&D programs for future particle accelerators in collaboration with European and international partners.
Technical Infrastructure
Operate, maintain and develop CERN’s extensive Technical Infrastructure (electrical network, cooling and ventilation, handling engineering, access and alarms).
Engineering facilities
State-of-the-art particle accelerators and detectors cannot be bought off the shelf. They come to life in workshops staffed by teams of highly skilled engineers and technicians
Software Development
CERN’s accelerators rely on a vast suite of purpose-built software. ATS develops and maintains the control systems, simulation tools, and operational platforms that drive the machines day to day.
Future Projects
Explore options for post-HL-LHC operation in the early 2040s, such as the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study, which explores collider possibilities within a 91 km circular tunnel in the local area.
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.
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.
Education & Outreach
• 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.
Quality
Quality is a matter of highest priority for the Accelerator and Technology Sector. As part of this commitment, we strongly believe that the definition, implementation, and maintenance of a quality management framework across the Sector is of highest importance.
