Revision of OC 11: a modernised data privacy framework for CERN

Following the Director-General’s approval on 17 December 2025, the revised Operational Circular No. 11, “The processing of personal data at CERN” (OC 11), entered into force on 1 February 2026. This revised Circular cancels and replaces Operational Circular No. 11 dated January 2019 and its two annexes which came into force on 1 July 2021. This revision marks an important step in the modernisation of CERN’s internal data privacy framework, building on more than five years of experience in the application and interpretation of OC 11.

The changes introduced are not an extensive reform of the existing framework, but a targeted revision that preserves the fundamental principles of OC 11 while clarifying, simplifying and strengthening its application across the Organization.

Objectives of the revision

The revised OC 11:

• aligns CERN’s rules more closely with recognised international best practices in data protection, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),
• improves legal certainty and reduces legal and reputational risks,
• simplifies implementation for CERN services while maintaining a high level of personal data protection, and
• ensures technological neutrality and supports the long-term viability of CERN’s various activities.

Key areas of modernisation

Among the various updates introduced, the revision highlights ten key areas where clarification or simplification was most needed.

The scope and applicability of OC 11 have been clarified by excluding purely private processing activities, removing the need to maintain Records of Processing Operations (RoPOs) for such processing. Abolishing the concept of “regular processing” reduces uncertainty for services.

Archiving, scientific or historical research and statistical processing are no longer treated as legal bases but as compatible purposes, which facilitates further processing.

The decision as to whether a Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required now follows a risk-based approach that considers multiple factors and is supported by advisory input from the Office of Data Privacy (ODP). This improves the prioritisation of high-risk processing and reduces unnecessary DPIAs, leading to more efficient use of resources.

The data protection by design principle now clarifies what must be considered when integrating privacy into systems and processes, supporting the selection of appropriate solutions and ensuring that personal data is protected by default.

Personal data breach notifications are now limited to cases involving a high and unavoidable risk and no disproportionate effort, making the process more efficient and proportionate to the actual risk.

The rights in respect of automated decision making now applies only where a decision produces a legal or similarly significant effect, which simplifies the drafting of RoPOs and responses to data subject requests.

Internal data transfers no longer require ODP approval, with consultation sufficing, simplifying processes while fully respecting the ODP’s mandate and its role as an independent advisory body.

For external transfers, responsibilities have been clarified and unnecessary obligations removed, improving understanding for potential suppliers and facilitating cooperation.
At the same time, a more proportionate framework for transferring sensitive personal data enables services to use solutions such as cloud services where appropriate, while preserving accountability.

The framework governing processing by external entities now explicitly distinguishes between CERN acting as a controller and CERN acting as a processor, with clear roles and responsibilities in each case. This aligns the framework more closely with the GDPR, improving understanding for potential suppliers and facilitating contractual relationships and partnerships.

Finally, specific terminology has been introduced for non-compliant processing that directly affects individuals (“grievances”), thereby improving legal and operational clarity, enhancing understanding for the persons concerned and contributing to a reduction in complaints.

Looking ahead

With this revision, CERN confirms its commitment to protecting personal data through a modern framework designed to keep pace with evolving technologies and collaborative research environments, while maintaining a high level of protection and ensuring continuity, clarity and proportionality in practice.

Next steps

The ODP will continue its gradual efforts to update related policies, guidance and operational documentation to reflect the changes introduced by the revision.

To support understanding and implementation, the ODP will also organise information sessions in both English and French, aimed at explaining the key changes in a practical and accessible way. The English session will take place on Thursday, 19 February at 11:00, and the French session will be announced shortly. A factsheet and the slides used during these events will be made available for those who wish to consult them.

In the meantime, and at any stage, individuals and services are encouraged to contact the Office of Data Privacy with any questions or requests for guidance by writing to: privacy.protection@cern.ch.

________

To mark Data Protection Day, CERN, ESA, EMBL, EPO and ESO jointly organised, on 26 January 2026, an informative session on cloud sovereignty. You can watch the recording here (CERN login required).

anschaef Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:01 Byline Office of Data Privacy Publication Date Thu, 02/12/2026 - 09:58

Tools for balance: sign up for a group Stress Check-up session in 2026

In 2025, CERN launched the Stress Check-up Programme, built on awareness, action and support. This initiative underscored our commitment to fostering a healthy, resilient community by providing tools to recognise, address and manage stress effectively.

As we begin 2026, we are pleased to announce four new group sessions. You can secure your place by registering now (14 participants maximum per session):

• Wednesday, 25 February, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (in English)
• Tuesday, 31 March, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (in English)
• Tuesday, 21 April, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (in French)
• Tuesday, 9 June, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (in English)

Further sessions will be organised and their dates published in due course on https://hse.cern/mentalhealth, where you can also find more practical information and resources.

Tailored, on-site interventions for teams are also available on request by contacting infirmary-service@cern.ch.

These group sessions offer practical strategies to help you navigate stress, enhance well-being and build resilience, both at work and beyond.

Individual assessments or sessions can also be booked by contacting infirmary-service@cern.ch.

anschaef Tue, 02/10/2026 - 17:36 Byline Medical Service Publication Date Tue, 02/10/2026 - 17:35

CERN launches KENORA: a new era in occupational health management

On 12 January 2026, CERN’s Medical Service implemented KENORA, a new occupational health management system to modernise and strengthen occupational health monitoring across the Organization, replacing the existing KITRY (medical records) and PLAMED (planning tool). It is based on a single, secure platform and represents a significant step forward in the management of occupational health activities at CERN.

KENORA simplifies data management, automates appointment scheduling and the upload of laboratory results, and enables secure teleconsultations directly through the KENORA application. Compliant with ISO/IEC 27001 and HDS (health data hosting) standards, the system ensures enhanced protection of sensitive information.

Its key features include:

• Centralised data management: a unified dashboard aggregates occupational health indicators in real time, enabling risk-based monitoring and the implementation of appropriate preventive actions.
• Enhanced functionality: the system supports the management of individual occupational health records, medical visits, care provided at the infirmary and psychological consultations. Each activity is compartmentalised, while each unit within the Medical Service is provided with a dedicated workspace to manage its specific responsibilities, including accident follow-up, workplace risk assessments and a survey feature for targeted prevention campaigns.
• User accessibility: employed members of the personnel (MPEs) can manage their own appointments when prompted by KENORA, in particular for onboarding, periodic and exit medical visits.

Walid Fadel, Head Nurse at the CERN Medical Service, emphasises its impact: “KENORA enables the full exploitation of available information. This approach allows more precise and targeted monitoring, as well as the implementation of better tailored health prevention and health promotion measures, based on detailed and objective analyses of identified risks and needs.”

The implementation of the new tool is the result of a 1.5-year-long collaboration between the Medical Service, other HSE groups, the Legal Service, IPT, SCE, IT Security, FAP, HR and Data Privacy teams. By reducing administrative burdens and enhancing proactive responses to health and safety challenges, this innovation reflects CERN’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved data accuracy, accessibility and security, setting a new standard in occupational health management.

anschaef Tue, 02/10/2026 - 17:30 Byline Medical Service Publication Date Thu, 02/12/2026 - 08:28

NIRMA on the move: mapping electromagnetic environments at CERN Kristian Andersen (left) and Asbjoern Hansen (right), Danish interns in the HSE-OHS-GI Section, standing next to the NIRMA project vehicle mounted with TURTLE. (Image: CERN)

Over the coming weeks, you may notice a vehicle equipped with antennas driving slowly on the CERN roads. This is part of the Non-Ionising Radiation Mapping and Assessment (NIRMA) project.

The vehicle is equipped with the TURTLE (Top-mounted Unit for NIR Time-averaged Field Level Evaluation), a mobile unit dedicated to measuring electromagnetic fields in the environment. It does not record images, audio, personal data or vehicle information, and the equipment does not emit any radiation – the measurements are purely passive.

Why is this important? NIRMA ensures the safety of CERN workers, visitors and the public, especially those with active implantable medical devices (e.g. pacemakers). The project is intended to confirm compliance with regulatory limits, identify areas with higher field levels and support preventive measures where needed.

Find out more at https://cern.ch/nirma.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

anschaef Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:50 Byline HSE department Publication Date Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:48

Pressure equipment safety: your responsibility, our priority

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. At CERN, pressure equipment such as vessels, piping and safety accessories is essential for both industrial and experimental activities. However, these systems also pose risks due to the energy they contain and the chemical hazards posed by their contents.

In the interests of the safety of all personnel and installations, it is mandatory that you register your pressure equipment. Proper registration and maintenance prevent accidents, protect people and safeguard our experiments and infrastructure.

If you are or have recently been appointed as a pressure equipment owner, take action now to identify all the pressure equipment under your responsibility and register it in EAM without delay.

Find out more about the responsibilities of pressure equipment owners, along with useful information and guidance as well as the rules applicable to pressure equipment at CERN on the dedicated HSE safety risks webpage (hse.cern/safety-risks/pressure)

Stop. Think. Act. Safety first. Safety always.

anschaef Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:43 Byline HSE department Publication Date Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:41

CERN’s ISO 50001 certification has been renewed The AFNOR ISO 50001 certification logo. (Image: AFNOR)

Following extensive audits by the French national organisation for standardisation (AFNOR) at the end of 2025, CERN’s ISO 50001 certification has been renewed for another three years, until 1 February 2029. This certification, first awarded in February 2023, recognises CERN’s robust systems and processes for monitoring, improving and optimising energy performance, all in alignment with the Organization’s Energy Policy and relevant legislation.

ISO 50001 is the global benchmark for energy management, providing a framework to enhance efficiency, reduce consumption and foster sustainable practices. By securing the renewal of this certification, CERN reaffirms its proactive approach to responsible energy use, ensuring that our operations remain at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

This milestone reflects the hard work and collaboration across CERN, from managerial to operational teams. Our commitment to continuous improvement in energy performance is not only a regulatory requirement but a core value that supports our mission of scientific excellence and sustainability.

Looking ahead, yearly surveillance audits will continue in the spirit of continuous improvement. CERN remains focused on integrating energy-efficient practices into all aspects of our activities, through innovative technologies and operational optimisations, with a firm commitment to minimising our environmental footprint while maintaining world-class research facilities.

For more details on CERN’s energy management initiatives, visit energy management at CERN.

anschaef Tue, 02/10/2026 - 13:04 Byline HSE department Publication Date Tue, 02/10/2026 - 13:00

Upcoming events

2–20 Feb 8:30 | At CERN | Main Building | Staff Association / Association du personnel | EN & FR
Meet the CERN & Society Foundation Exhibition

11 Feb 14:00 | Physics | TH Conference Room & Online | Theory Colloquia | EN
Are black holes natural?

18 Feb 9:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Building - Pas Perdu | Alumni | EN
ATLAS Job Fair

18 Feb 14:00 | Physics | TH Conference Room & Online | Theory Colloquia | EN
High-precision calculation of the Quark–Gluon coupling from Lattice QCD

19 Feb 18:00 | Knowledge Sharing | TH Conference Room & Online | Alumni | EN
CERN Alumni Space Group - Launch Event

19 Feb 19:30 | Knowledge Sharing | CERN Science Gateway | Public events | FR
Odyssée cosmique

20 Feb 11:00 | Experiments | Salle Bohr | Detector Seminar | EN
The Silicon Electron Multiplier: Concept and first Results

26 Feb 18:30 | At CERN | IdeaSquare | IdeaSquare events | EN
HOPE Networking Event

5 Mar 20:00 | At CERN | CERN Science Gateway | Public events | FR
Collision(s)

20 Mar 14:00 | At CERN | Online | Micro-Talks | EN
Words That Work: Communicating with Confidence and Kindness

20 Mar 18:00 | At CERN | Restaurant 1 | Novae | EN & FR
Spring Vibes Party - Flower Power

Registration now open

4–5 Mar | Computing | Main Auditorium | CERN openlab | EN
2026 CERN openlab Technical Workshop

13–17 Apr | Physics | CERN | CPOD | EN
16th Workshop on Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement

4–8 May | Computing | CERN | SC4RC | EN
Sustainability Conference for Responsible Research Computing

25–29 May | Computing | Chulalongkorn University | CHEP | EN
28th Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics (CHEP 2026)

8–12 Jun | Knowledge Sharing | CERN | CERN IdeaSquare | EN
CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation Summer School

15–26 Jun | Accelerators | Jūrmala, Latvia | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Medical Accelerators

19 Jun–2 July | Physics | Ostróda, Poland | CERN Schools | EN
European School of High-Energy Physics

22 Jun–28 Aug | Experiments | CERN | CERN NextGen Triggers | EN
CERN STEAM Academy

1–10 July | Physics | Bucharest, Romania | CERN Schools | EN
16th International School of Trigger and Data Acquisition (ISOTDAQ 2026)

This is a curated list of events relevant to the CERN community.
More events are available here: home.cern/events
Indico also shows ALL events happening today, this week and in a calendar view. 

If you would like your event to appear on an upcoming Bulletin events list, please contact bulletin-editors@cern.ch

ehatters Fri, 02/06/2026 - 11:26 Publication Date Tue, 02/10/2026 - 12:30

Take part in the 2026 Mentoring@CERN programme

If you’re looking for guidance, a sounding board or the chance to share your experience, the Mentoring@CERN programme is for you. The programme is run by the LHC Early Career Scientists Fora and CERN’s Women in Technology (WIT) group, with registrations for the 2026 round opening on 1 February.

You don’t need to work in the LHC experiments to take part, and there are no restrictions on age, gender, contract type or career stage. If you’re associated with CERN as a staff member, fellow, student, user, participant or contractor, you can take part as a mentor, mentee or both.

Mentors and mentees are matched individually, based on their goals, interests and preferences. This year, mentees will even be able to view anonymised mentor profiles before submitting their final application.

Registration will be open from 1 to 28 February, and the mentoring round will run from April to December, with flexible meeting schedules to suit your needs.

Curious? For more information, watch the recording of the online information session held on 26 January or check out the Mentoring@CERN website. Sign up to take the next step in your CERN journey.

ehatters Wed, 01/28/2026 - 16:20 Publication Date Wed, 01/28/2026 - 16:09

4 February | Annual testing of sirens across Switzerland You can find this poster, translated in 13 languages, on the website of the Federal Office of Civil Protection. (Image: OFPP)

The canton of Geneva authorities wish to remind you that the annual testing of sirens across Switzerland is taking place on Wednesday 4 February 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

In Geneva, 116 sirens (a regular loud sound lasting one minute) as well as a “water alert signal” (for those living close to the Verbois and Chancy-Pougny hydroelectric dams) will be tested. In some buildings, alarms will also be tested alongside instructions to those who are present.

You do not need to respond in any particular manner during this annual testing of sirens. This is nonetheless an opportunity to remind all those concerned, how to react in case of a real alarm:

• Listen to the radio;
• Close doors and windows;
• Inform your neighbours;
• Limit the use your phone (to avoid saturating the network);
• If you are in a car, please stop ventilation, close windows and turn on the radio;
• If you are outdoors, please seek shelter in the nearest building, activity center, shop or office.

We recommend you to download the national Alertswiss App. It sends out alerts, warnings, instructions and official information to all its users depending on their location.

anschaef Wed, 01/28/2026 - 14:07 Publication Date Thu, 01/29/2026 - 08:06

The new Duty Travel website is now online

The new Duty Travel website is now online and ready to use. You will find it referenced in all key places such as the CERN Directory, the Admin e-guide, CET, etc.

The aim of this new site is to provide travellers and secretariats with a one-stop shop for all duty-travel-related matters.

What you can expect to find:  

• Practical, step-by-step, one-page guides (the traveller guide is already online and more will follow)
• Links to all key resources and documentation
• FAQs
• Latest news
• Disruption information – see the notification published on 26 January with regards to travel to the USA.  

CERN Travel Coordinator

anschaef Wed, 01/28/2026 - 11:20 Publication Date Wed, 01/28/2026 - 11:19

Upcoming events

26 Jan 17:00 | At CERN | Online | Mentoring@CERN | EN
Mentoring@CERN Information Session

27 Jan 11:00 | Physics | Main Auditorium & Online | EP Seminars | EN
MicroBooNE’s Search for a Single Sterile Neutrino using Two Beams

27 Jan 14:00 | Physics | TH Conference Room & Online | TH Seminars | EN
Fortuity in ABJM theory

28 Jan 14:00 | Physics | Main Auditorium & Online | Theory Colloquia | EN
Uncertainty Quantification in PDF Determinations: a Machine Learning Adventure

29 Jan 16:30 | Experiments | Main Auditorium & Online | CERN Colloquia | EN
New Frontiers in Neutrino Physics with the DUNE Experiment

30 Jan 16:30 | Experiments | Salle Marie Sklodowska-Curie & Online | Detector Seminars | EN
The JUNO detector and its first results

30 Jan 16:00 | Experiments | 774/R-013 & Online | BE Seminars | EN
HiRadMat: a high-power beam facility at CERN

2 Feb 14:00 | At CERN | Council Chamber | Staff Association / Association du personnel | EN
Staff Association Public Meeting / Réunion publique de l'Association du personnel

2–20 Feb 8:30 | At CERN | Main Building | Staff Association / Association du personnel | EN & FR
Meet the CERN & Society Foundation Exhibition

3 Feb 11:00 | Physics | Council Chamber | LHC Seminars | EN
Observation of deuteron and antideuteron formation from resonance-decay nucleons with ALICE

3 Feb 17:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Council Chamber | Staff Association / Association du personnel | FR
Children and overexposure to screens / Les enfants et la surexposition aux écrans

5 Feb 9:00 | Computing | Council Chamber & Online | IT | EN
CERNBox Training

5 Feb 14:00 | At CERN | Council Chamber | Staff Association / Association du personnel | FR
Staff Association Public Meeting / Réunion publique de l'Association du personnel

6 Feb | Computing | CERN | CERN & SwissPUG | EN
CERN PGDay 2026

18 Feb 9:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Building - Pas Perdu | Alumni | EN
ATLAS Job Fair

19 Feb 19:30 | Knowledge Sharing | CERN Science Gateway | Public events | FR
Odyssée cosmique

Registration now open

9–13 Mar | Accelerators | Everness, Switzerland | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Basics of Accelerator Physics and Technology

13–17 Apr | Physics | CERN | CPOD | EN
16th Workshop on Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement

4–8 May | Computing | CERN | SC4RC | EN
Sustainability Conference for Responsible Research Computing

25–29 May | Computing | Chulalongkorn University | CHEP | EN
28th Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics (CHEP 2026)

15–26 Jun | Accelerators | Jūrmala, Latvia | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Medical Accelerators

19 Jun–2 July | Physics | Ostróda, Poland | CERN Schools | EN
European School of High-Energy Physics

1–10 July | Physics | Bucharest, Romania | CERN Schools | EN
16th International School of Trigger and Data Acquisition (ISOTDAQ 2026)

This is a curated list of events relevant to the CERN community.
More events are available here: home.cern/events
Indico also shows ALL events happening today, this week and in a calendar view. 

If you would like your event to appear on an upcoming Bulletin events list, please contact bulletin-editors@cern.ch

ehatters Fri, 01/23/2026 - 13:44 Publication Date Mon, 01/26/2026 - 10:17

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 CERN community crossword Congratulations to the three prize draw winners: Vincent Ducret (centre) won two CAGI tickets to the Vitam water park, Pablo Saiz (left) won a CERN lunch bag made from upcycled banners and Ruslan Mashinistov (right) won a CERN-branded Toblerone (Image: CERN)

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 end-of-year crossword for the CERN Community. We hope that you had fun and enjoyed looking back on the past year’s achievements with us.

Congratulations to Vincent Ducret (IT-FCS), Pablo Saiz (IT-CA) and Ruslan Mashinistov (EP-UAT), who all had correct entries and were selected in the prize draw.

We would like to thank the Vitam water park, the CAGI cultural kiosk at CERN and the CERN shop for providing the prizes.

The full solutions can be found below.

ehatters Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:17 Byline Internal Communication Publication Date Fri, 01/16/2026 - 08:11

The January/February 2026 issue of the CERN Courier is out

(Image: Photographic reproduction by Guillaume Piolle of Yellow-Red-Blue by Wassily Kandinsky, Public Domain)

Physicists can be allies, wrote Wassily Kandinsky, “who test matter again and again, who tremble before no problem, and who finally cast doubt on that very matter which was yesterday the foundation of everything, so that the whole universe is shaken.”

This edition of CERN Courier offers two examples of physics to shake the universe. Each spontaneously breaks the symmetry of a field, plunging the vacuum into a potential well shaped like the rim of a hat, releasing a torrent of energy into the universe.

Peccei–Quinn symmetry breaking would explain the fine tuning of the Standard Model to produce no CP violation in the strong interaction, while also yielding a dark-matter candidate, the QCD axion. Two ingenious experiments are smashing the limits of cavity haloscopes to search for the QCD axion over the next 10 years.

Electroweak symmetry breaking is thought to have given mass to elementary particles. Its smoking gun was the Higgs boson, but very little is known about how it took place in the early universe. Much depends on the shape of the Higgs potential, which we have barely even begun to probe. In this issue, Valentina Cairo and Steven Lowette explore what can be learnt at the High-Luminosity LHC.

These projections provide an important input to the 2026 update to the European Strategy for Particle Physics. The biggest decision concerns seven large-scale collider projects that the community has proposed as possible successors to the High-Luminosity LHC. Like Kandinsky’s geometric constructivism at the Bauhaus, they are a harmony of lines, arcs and circles.

Read the digital edition of this new issue on the CERN Courier website.

________

Be the first to know when the new digital issue of CERN Courier is available, email cern.courier@cern.ch to request to receive a new-issue alert.

ehatters Wed, 01/14/2026 - 15:36 Byline Mark Rayner Publication Date Fri, 01/16/2026 - 08:05

Upcoming events

13 Jan 10:00 | At CERN | CERN Science Gateway Auditorium | Director-General |  EN & FR
Mark Thomson, New Year presentation to personnel

15 Jan 12:30 | At CERN | Council Chamber & online | Staff Association / Association du personnel | FR with EN translation
Loans in CHF / Prêts en CHF

15 Jan 16:40 | Knowledge Sharing | 3/1-021 & online | Archives, Library and Open Science | EN
Wikipedia 25 Virtual Celebration Watch party

16 Jan 10:00 | Computing | Council Chamber | IT Technical Forum | EN
CERN Computer Security: Abuse, Blunder and Fun

20 Jan 11:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Auditorium | Academic Training Lectures | EN
The Neuroscience of Dreaming: From Phenomenology to Neural Correlates

22 Jan 16:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Auditorium | CERN Colloquium | EN
Across the North Pole in Arctic Darkness: Alaska to Norway

3 Feb 17:30 | Knowledge Sharing | Council Chamber | Staff Association / Association du personnel | FR
Children and overexposure to screens / Les enfants et la surexposition aux écrans

6 Feb | Computing | CERN | CERN & SwissPUG | EN
CERN PGDay 2026

18 Feb 9:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Building - Pas Perdu | Alumni | EN
ATLAS Job Fair

19 Feb 19:30 | Knowledge Sharing | CERN Science Gateway | Public events | FR
Odyssée cosmique

Registration now open

9–13 Mar | Accelerators | Everness, Switzerland | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Basics of Accelerator Physics and Technology

13–17 Apr | Physics | CERN | CPOD | EN
16th Workshop on Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement

25–29 May | Computing | Chulalongkorn University | CHEP | EN
28th Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics (CHEP 2026)

15–26 Jun | Accelerators | Jūrmala, Latvia | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Medical Accelerators

 

This is a curated list of events relevant to the CERN community.
More events are available here: home.cern/events
Indico also shows ALL events happening today, this week and in a calendar view. 

If you would like your event to appear on an upcoming Bulletin events list, please contact bulletin-editors@cern.ch

ehatters Mon, 01/12/2026 - 17:06 Publication Date Tue, 01/13/2026 - 09:43

REMINDER: Swisscom 3G phase-out

Swisscom will switch off its 3G network at the end of 2025. This 3rd generation of mobile communications was introduced 20 years ago and has become inefficient in terms of energy requirements, spectrum usage and the resources required to maintain it, so operators are freeing up these resources for new technologies.

To continue using your mobile phone at CERN (in Switzerland and in CERN’s underground facilities) you’ll need a device that supports at least 4G and VoLTE (Voice over LTE). SMS (Short Message Service) services will be maintained via 4G.

You can check your device’s compatibility via Swisscom’s cockpit or by sending a free SMS to 444, using your CERN SIM card, with the keyword 3G. Please be aware that some models' characteristics are not properly identified in Swisscom's database. If this is the case, you should check that 4G/5G is shown on your phone as an option for data connectivity. You will also need a VoLTE-compatible phone to place/receive calls. If your device displays 4G but it disappears when you make a call (while connected to Swisscom), then VoLTE is not switched on or your device is not compatible.

If your phone is not compatible, you should replace it. 4G and VoLTE have been standard on mobile phones for the last 7 to 10 years, depending on the brand.

For further information, you can visit this link or contact the mobile service support team.

__________

This announcement was originally published in June 2025.

anschaef Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:23 Publication Date Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:19

Updated framework for contributions post-retirement

The framework for former staff members active over retirement age has been updated to recognise continued contributions and clarify roles and expectations for all involved.

The Retired Contributing Staff (RETC) status has been in place since 2021, following proposals from a CERN-wide working group. Based on the positive experience over the past years, with many important contributions from our colleagues, the Directorate has decided to extend this scheme, and to change the name to Honorary Associates. The conditions and process initially established for the RETC status will continue to apply, and a specific contribution remains a prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining the status. More details are available in the admin eguide.

Another proposal of the CERN-wide working group was the creation of the Emeritus (EMER) title, to recognise exceptional contributions of former staff members to the Organization. A first list has been compiled by the Directorate, based on input from the departments and in line with a framework endorsed by the Enlarged Directorate. It recognises former staff members who were founders of the LEP and LHC experiments, former Directors-General, former Directors with long and impactful careers at CERN and former CERN staff with particular global impact and visibility. The list can be found here.  

The aim is for the list of Emeriti to be reviewed by the CERN Management on a regular basis, and to evolve to reflect CERN’s legacy of excellence and impact.

This framework is complementary to the CERN Alumni network. It strengthens the connection between CERN and former staff members, and supports the transfer of the CERN mission, legacy and values to the next generations.  

ehatters Thu, 12/18/2025 - 09:48 Publication Date Fri, 12/19/2025 - 10:18

“The faces of CERN” at the Globe of Science and Innovation

Originally created for the Cité des métiers, the exhibition “The Faces of CERN: People Advancing Science” will be displayed in CERN's Globe of Science and Innovation from December 17, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

From 25 to 30 November, CERN was the guest of honour at the Cité des métiers, held at Geneva’s Palexpo. During the fair more than 112,000 visitors had the opportunity to discover the CERN stand and exhibition, talk to those who advance science on a daily basis and explore the world of CERN through a range of immersive activities.

Designed by interior design students from IPAC Design Geneva, the exhibition was inspired by the birth of the World Wide Web at CERN. Woven together from reusable ribbons and modular structures, symbolises a living network where ideas, knowledge, and collaboration come together.

Come and immerse yourself in this network, where each thread tells a story of curious collaboration and showcases your talents.

Free admission | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

anschaef Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:48 Publication Date Tue, 12/16/2025 - 09:04

Biodiversity by Building 40

Next time you walk by Building 40, you’ll notice a sinuous hedge on the lawn that has been left to grow into a meadow, along with a new information panel explaining its benefits. This initiative is part of CERN’s broader commitment to fostering biodiversity, improving well-being and demonstrating environmental awareness in action.

The hedge and meadow provide a habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. Come springtime, they will flourish and, in hot summers, help reduce urban heat. To ensure these new ecosystems are sustainable, only an annual mowing in October and pruning of the hedge after nesting periods are over will be undertaken, allowing nature to thrive undisturbed.

At CERN, whatever the season, simple, effective measures are being used to transform areas featuring little diversity – such as regularly mown grass with isolated trees – into vibrant environments. Planting melliferous shrubs to support pollinators and provide shelter for wildlife, while allowing meadows to grow freely, helps enrich local flora and fauna, promote well-being and serve as a tangible example of how small, low-cost changes can make a positive impact for biodiversity.

Find out more about CERN’s actions to minimise its impact on the environment and explore CERN’s rich biodiversity by taking the virtual walk around the sites.

katebrad Thu, 12/11/2025 - 17:22 Byline SCE department HSE unit Publication Date Thu, 12/11/2025 - 17:26

Upcoming events

9–11 Dec | At CERN | Restaurant 1 | Novae | EN & FR
Christmas market / marché de Noël

11 Dec | Knowledge Sharing | Main Building | Archives, Library and Open Science events | EN & FR
December book fair / foire aux livres

11 Dec | At CERN | Restaurant 1 | Nature et Abeilles | FR
Selling CERN honey / vente de miel

12 Dec 11:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Online | CERN alumni | EN
IAEA – CERN Alumni Virtual Company Showroom

15 Dec 14:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Council Chamber | L&D Micro-Talks | EN
Time to Choose: Mastering What Matters in a Distracted World

16 Dec 10:30 | At CERN | Main Auditorium | Directorate | EN & FR
Meeting of the Directorate with CERN’s community – December 2025 / Réunion de la Direction avec la communauté du CERN – Décembre 2025

16 Dec 14:30 | Computing | 31/3-004 - IT Amphitheatre | IT Technical Forum | EN
CERN Computer Security: Abuse, Blunder and Fun 

16 Dec 17:30 | At CERN | Council Chamber | Staff Association / Association du personnel | FR
Les modes de gestion du travail et la santé des salariés : une relation conflictuelle

17–18 Dec | Knowledge Sharing | CERN | European Academy of Sciences | EN
EurASc 2025 Symposium and Annual Ceremony

16 Jan 10:00 | Computing | Council Chamber | IT Technical Forum | EN
CERN Computer Security: Abuse, Blunder and Fun

20 Jan 11:00 | Knowledge Sharing | Main Auditorium | Academic Training Lectures | EN
The Neuroscience of Dreaming: From Phenomenology to Neural Correlates

 

Registration now open

6 Feb | Computing | CERN | CERN & SwissPUG | EN
CERN PGDay 2026

19 Feb 19:30 | Knowledge Sharing | CERN Science Gateway | Public events | FR
Odyssée cosmique

9–13 Mar | Accelerators | Everness, Switzerland | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Basics of Accelerator Physics and Technology

13–17 Apr | Physics | CERN | CPOD | EN
16th Workshop on Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement

25–29 May | Computing | Chulalongkorn University | CHEP | EN
28th Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics (CHEP 2026)

15–26 Jun | Accelerators | Jūrmala, Latvia | CERN Accelerator School | EN
CAS course on Medical Accelerators

 

This is a curated list of events relevant to the CERN community.
More events are available here: home.cern/events
Indico also shows ALL events happening today, this week and in a calendar view. 

If you would like your event to appear on an upcoming Bulletin events list, please contact bulletin-editors@cern.ch

katebrad Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:14 Publication Date Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:36

Annual test of diesel generators on 16 December

The annual diesel generators tests of the Meyrin site, SPS, Prévessin, North Area, LHC1 to LHC8 and LHC1.8, are planned on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 from 6:00 am to 6:30 am.

Power will be cut in the following networks: Normal, General Services, Stable (18 kV, 3.3 kV, 230 V, 400 V) on the Meyrin site, SPS, Prevessin, North Area, LHC1 to LHC8 and LHC 1.8, and the machine networks (18 kV and 400 V) at LHC1 and LHC1.8.

During this outage, the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems will run on their batteries.

The EN-EL Group recommends that you turn off your critical equipment and computer equipment.

For any further information, please refer to the "note de coupure".

anschaef Wed, 12/03/2025 - 13:00 Publication Date Wed, 12/03/2025 - 12:58