A new page has been turned in the history of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) with the election of Professor Konstantinos Fountas as Chairman of the CERN Council, making him the first Greek to assume this important role. His election, which will take effect in 2025 and run until 2027, came after a competitive process that included two other candidates. This marks a particularly significant development not only for him but also for the Greek scientific community, which boasts of his prestige and knowledge.

The Foreign Ministry’s statement underlines the success of the election, attributing it to the strategic organization and diplomatic mobilization that took place prior to the election process. Professor Fountas, with roots in Pylos and Trifyllia, has emerged as a leading figure in the field of physics, having taught at Imperial College London and making significant contributions to the research community.

Speaking to ERT, Fountas himself expressed his expectations for his term of office. “On the CERN board there are the interests of 24 countries. My personal goal is to be able to do what we call consensus. All countries to agree on a common goal to move to the next step, the next accelerator,” he said. This shows his commitment to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among member states, which is crucial for the success of CERN’s research programmes. He also made reference to the presence of Greek scientists in the organisation, underlining their contribution to scientific progress.

CERN, the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics research laboratory, has a 70-year history and is made up of 24 member states, with Greece being a founding member. With some 2 600 employees, the organisation provides services to over 600 research institutes and universities around the world. CERN is known for its pioneering facilities, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which is used to study the fundamental constituents of matter.

This organisation has offered a unique range of particle accelerator facilities that enable research at the cutting edge of human knowledge. Its aim is to advance science in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. At the same time, it brings together people from different corners of the globe, seeking to push the boundaries of science and technology for the benefit of all.

The election of Constantine Fountas as CERN Chair is an important milestone in his career and an incentive for the new generation of scientists in Greece. The importance of this achievement is not only limited to his personal success but also highlights the dynamics of the Greek scientific community at an international level. With his presidency, expectations are high for the continuation of the tradition of innovation and collaboration in the field of physics and technology.

With Konstantinos Fountas at the helm of CERN, the future looks bright, full of prospects and challenges that require the cooperation of all stakeholders. With his vision and scientific excellence, he is paving the way for new discoveries that will shape the scientific scene of tomorrow.