Estonia has become a full member of the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN).
On Thursday, the Estonian flag was ceremoniously raised at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva.
Estonian President Alar Karis said at the flag raising ceremony that Estonia needs science to help overcome difficult times.
“As a small country, Estonia is confident in alliances and cooperation. For the sake of security, economic development, cultural richness and scientific excellence, we see no alternative to international cooperation. We need science to guide us through difficult times,” said the country’s president.
According to Karis, the exchange of ideas and joint scientific research are necessary to fulfill humanity’s greatest expectations, such as unlocking the deepest secrets of our universe.
“The spirit of cooperation brings out the best in people and brings significant benefits to all. CERN is a great example of this fruitful international cooperation,” Karis said, expressing his pride that Estonia is now a full member of CERN. “Collaboration can lead not only to scientific achievements, but also to technological innovation and better education.”
CERN is an excellent example of how to promote economic development using top-level technological innovations and applied research, the President of Estonia emphasized.
“Participation in CERN will increase the innovation capacity of Estonian companies and increase investment in research and development activities. We hope that the number of researchers working in the private sector will also increase,” Karis said, adding that CERN programs are a good opportunity for teachers, students, engineers and scientists to receive world-class training and return home with new ideas and skills.
During a meeting with CERN Director General Fabiola Gianotti, Karis emphasized that cooperation with the aggressor Russia is not possible at any level.
“Participation of Russian scientists in CERN experiments may limit the possibilities of our scientific cooperation,” said the Estonian president.
Since 2020, Estonia had the status of an associate member of CERN. Estonia has been cooperating with CERN since 1996 and in September 2018 submitted an application for associate member status.
Lithuania became a CERN associate country in January 2018, and Latvia in 2021. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa promised this month that Latvia is committed to becoming a full member of CERN in 2027.
During its 70-year history, CERN, which currently has 24 member states, has proven the existence of the Higgs boson, developed the World Wide Web, and made other revolutionary discoveries.
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Rija Salsa-Audifrene, presents the Estonian flag to Fabiola Gianotti, Director General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), in front of the President of Estonia, Alar Kar, at the flag-raising ceremony in honor of the admission of the Republic of Estonia as the 24th member state to CERN . Photo: EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Estonia Joins CERN: A Cosmic Step for the Tiny Tiger
Well, well, well! Look who’s entered the grand arena of scientific discovery! Estonia, that little land of digital wonders and hockey prowess, has just raised its flag as the newest full member of the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN). It’s like getting a VIP pass to the biggest science party in the universe—where the drinks are particle collisions and the music is the sound of cosmic rays!
On what can only be described as a momentous Thursday, the Estonian flag was unfurled at CERN’s headquarters in Geneva. It was a captivating scene that was part National Geographic documentary, part post-apocalyptic thriller, because let’s face it: anything with “nuclear” in the title could go sideways quickly. But fret not! President Alar Karis was there to deliver a rousing speech filled with science-y goodness, echoing through the Swiss Alps!
In a scene reminiscent of a motivational TED talk, President Karis stressed the importance of science in navigating tumultuous times. “We need science to guide us through” – and boy, do we! I mean, without science, we’d be stuck thinking that the Earth is flat and that the moon landing was filmed in a Hollywood basement. President Karis proclaimed Estonia’s commitment to cooperation, which sounds lovely unless you’re trying to debate a flat-Earther on Twitter.
Armed with aspirations to unlock the “deepest secrets of our universe,” Karis articulated a vision that would make even Stephen Hawking raise his eyebrow in approval. The president highlighted how international collaboration is essential, stating: “The spirit of cooperation brings out the best in people.” Can I get an amen? I mean, if we can swap ideas instead of insults, we might just come up with something that isn’t just more cat memes!
Not just high-flying dreams! Karis pointed out the tangible benefits Estonia will reap from this newfound alliance. He discussed the potential for increased innovation among Estonian companies and a spike in research investment. And why not? If your government is rubbing shoulders with geniuses at CERN, you might just end up inventing the next best thing since sliced bread—or, in this case, the Higgs boson!
Now, let’s not forget the elephant in the room. In a rather bold (or some might say, “sassy”) move, President Karis made it clear that because of Russia’s recent antics, any form of scientific cooperation that involves the aggressor nation is a no-go. I mean, voiding a potential collaboration with Russia is a bit like saying, “Sorry, but no, you can’t bring your drunk uncle to the family BBQ anymore.” A strong stance, Mr. President! Science should be about collaboration, not collusion.
It’s quite a journey for Estonia, which has been in cahoots with CERN since 1996 and was an associate member since 2020. Joining a club where members have already discovered the Higgs boson is no small feat. But hey, if Lithuania and Latvia can get in on the action, why shouldn’t Estonia? It’s like a race to the big science buffet, and Estonia just made its reservation.
As the new kid on the block – or should I say, the new particle in the collider – Estonia hopes to nurture a future where its students and researchers receive top-notch training, bringing new skills back home like scientific superheroes. And as this new partnership unfolds, we can only speculate about how many quantum jokes will arise. Computers aren’t the only things that need a good reboot, you know!
In conclusion, Estonia’s membership in CERN symbolises a beacon of hope, not only for the nation but for all who thirst for knowledge in these “difficult times.” It’s about time a small nation put itself on the scientific map, making waves while others are still treading water. Cheers to Estonia and its journey into the cosmos! May the particles be in your favour!
Photo Credit: EPA/Martial Trezzini – The Estonian flag flies high in the name of scientific collaboration!
