Welcome to the Accelerators and Technologies Sector
The ATS oversees the operation of CERN's accelerator complex which includes the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). ATS manages the deployment, operation, and development of all accelerator technologies that underpin current and future operation.
Aligned with the Organization's strategic objectives, the sector guarantees the design, development, and implementation of upgrades to existing facilities. Additionally, it accommodates future accelerator projects, and related research and development.
Core activities
Ensure safe and effective exploitation of the accelerators complex and its experimental facilities.
The aging accelerator complex requires continuous maintenance and consolidation, with significant planned upgrades like the High Luminosity LHC.
Maintain expertise in accelerator technologies and related support facilities. Coordinate R&D programs for future particle accelerators in collaboration with European and international partners.
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.
Operate, maintain and develop CERN's extensive Technical Infrastructure (electrical network, cooling and ventilation, handling engineering, access and alarms)
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
Latest News
Accelerator Report: Another exciting year ahead
Although the much-appreciated winter break is well behind us and most of us are back at work, the accelerator complex is still in hibernation – but not for much longer
Read moreAccelerator Report: A well-deserved winter break for the accelerator complex
Soon, CERN personnel will take a well-deserved winter break, just like the accelerator complex. Following a successful year, the remainder of the accelerator complex was stopped on 2 December, marking the official start of the year-end technical stop
Read moreFuture Circular Collider innovation and the economics of big science
Recent events in Brussels highlighted the potential of CERN and the FCC to support new innovations and strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness
Read moreThe test stand for the High-Luminosity LHC welcomes its first magnets
The installation of the High-Luminosity LHC test facility continues with the arrival of two magnet assemblies
Read moreAccelerator Report: The excellent 2024 LHC run ended abruptly
The LHC was scheduled to conclude its outstanding 2024 run on 25 November, but a massive magnet quench brought it to an end two days early
Read more