US-CERN Agreement Paves Way for New Era of Scientific Discovery

Washington, 7 May 2015. A new agreement between the United States and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN ) signed today will pave the way for renewed collaboration in particle physics, promising to yield new insights into fundamental particles and the nature of matter and our universe. The agreement, signed in a White House ceremony by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. National Science Foundation and CERN-the renowned European organization based in Geneva, Switzerland-will enable continued scientific discoveries in particle physics and advanced computing. "Society and the global research community benefit greatly from productive scientific cooperation across borders," said John P. Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. "Today's agreement is a model for the kinds of international scientific collaboration that can enable breakthrough insights and innovations in areas of mutual interest." "I am delighted to sign this agreement," said CERN Director General Rolf Heuer. "It allows us to look forward to a fruitful long term collaboration with the United States, in particular in guiding the Large Hadron Collider to its full potential over many years through a series of planned upgrades. This agreement is also historic since it formalizes CERN's participation in US-based programs such as prospective future neutrino facilities for the first time." The agreement aligns European and American long-term strategies for particle physics, which emphasize close international cooperation.