The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s leading particle physics laboratory, is dedicated to making science more accessible to future generations. Through hands-on educational initiatives, CERN & Society Foundation nurtures the innate curiosity of young minds.
CERN and Rolex share a deep-rooted partnership dating back to 1956, when CERN scientists informally tested a new Rolex watch. The timepiece proved both precise and resilient, even under the intense magnetic fields generated by CERN’s particle accelerators. Today, their collaboration continues, fostering the next wave of scientific pioneers. Rolex is now the named partner of the CERN & Society Foundation, supporting its mission through the Perpetual Planet Initiative, which amplifies awareness of CERN’s groundbreaking work.
Science Gateway: A Portal to Exploration
CERN’s Science Gateway, an education and public engagement center, offers immersive exhibitions that bring visitors closer to the world of particle physics. Located near Geneva—where the Higgs boson was discovered in 2012—the facility showcases the work of physicists, engineers, and educators unraveling the universe’s fundamental mysteries.
Designed by Renzo Piano and supported by Rolex, the carbon-neutral Science Gateway opened in October 2023. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, participate in live experiments, and attend lectures in a 900-seat auditorium—all designed to spark curiosity about the laws governing our world.
“The world should know about CERN’s research because every day, we uncover new discoveries, bringing us closer to understanding the origins of the universe.”
— Anastasia Tezari, CERN Science Educator
Empowering Young Minds Through Competition
Rolex backs CERN & Society Foundation’s educational programs, including the Beamline for Schools competition. This annual event invites high school students worldwide to design particle physics experiments and test them on CERN’s beamlines—the paths along which particle beams travel.
In 2024, 461 teams from 78 countries submitted proposals. Among the winners was Yuzuka Sasaki, a Japanese student who reflected: “We learned to measure cosmic rays and use CERN’s data systems. Mistakes were part of the journey—but so was collaborating with researchers and exploring freely.”
Markus Joos, the competition’s technical coordinator, emphasized personal growth: “Whether students pursue academia or apply problem-solving skills elsewhere, their development is just as crucial as scientific knowledge.”
A Bridge Between Science and Society
A six-meter-high footbridge connects Science Gateway’s two main structures, symbolizing the inseparable link between science and society—with sustainability at its core.
For over six decades, CERN and Rolex have advanced scientific exploration together. As CERN & Society Foundation notes: “Without Rolex’s support, we couldn’t reach and inspire so many young minds. Their partnership strengthens our ability to share the wonders of science with the world.”
