Associat Members of personnel (MPA)  for the purpose of international collaboration and scientific exchange are undoubtedly at the core of CERN’s scientific success. 2,900 of them, referred to as users for simplicity, were invited to share their perspective on their financial situation, working conditions and recognition. We gathered 361 responses, a 12% response rate, and in this article, we present the concerns they emphasised most

Financial situation of Users

Respondents are experienced, long-standing collaborators: more than 64% have been associated with CERN for over five years. Despite

The Staff Association is pleased to welcome AMFIE, the Financial Cooperative Association of International Civil Servants, to CERN on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Throughout the day, Mrs Janine RIVALS, Honorary Vice President, and Mr Giancarlo DANIELI, Managing Director, will hold confidential one-to-one sessions to discuss the specific financial needs of international civil servants. The sessions are open to all members of the CERN personnel (staff members, graduates and associated members of personnel), as well as retirees.

International careers often come with financial questions that

On Wednesday 23 September 2026, the Staff Association (SA) had the pleasure of hosting its traditional ambassadors' cocktail.

Held twice a year, in March and September, following the Finance Committee, this event provides a special setting for informal exchanges between colleagues designated by the Staff Association to represent it, the "ambassadors", and the delegates of the Member States and Associate Member States.

Much more than a simple social occasion, the cocktail is a genuine platform for dialogue. It allows us to address issues of key importance to the SA, to open broader

You are invited to celebrate Halloween at Aquaparc: From 10 to 31 October, activities, challenges and surprises will liven up your days.

Dare to let yourself be drawn into the world of Día de los Muertos! And the most beautiful pumpkin contest is back: this year again, let your creativity run wild and take part in the traditional Halloween pumpkin competition.

From 10/10/2026 to 10/31/2026

Aquaparc, Le Bouveret (Valais)

https://www.aquaparc.ch

"No Matter Fields" by Nata Malyu: Sensations, memories and emotions pass through a prism of perception and re-emerge as intuitive surrealism, emotional abstraction and fluid organic form. Moving from the figurative through semi-abstract constructions to pure abstraction, this exhibition gives shape to what often resists language: a feeling, a memory, an inner shift or the anticipation of transformation. At CERN, these inner landscapes enter into dialogue with invisible fields and forces, suggesting that what shapes our inner reality may be no less complex, or real, than the structures of the

Every photograph tells a story: that of a moment, a place or a face seen through the eyes of a photographer. Every two years, the CERN Photo Club, which brings together enthusiasts of all levels, presents the work of its members. This year's exhibition celebrates the many ways photography can be approached and interpreted, from portraits to landscapes, colour to black & white, digital to analogue.

Come and discover the perspectives, styles and stories captured through their lenses.

10/12/2026 to 10/23/2026

CERN Main building, ground floor

CERN Photo Club Exhibition (12-23 October, 2026) ·

In our article in ECHO 480, we looked at the beginning of, and a few points from, the reform of internal justice launched in 2020. Here we continue with other aspects of the reform.

Beyond the content of this reform, its form was also the subject of lengthy discussions. As regards the consolidation of investigations, agreement came quickly: the creation of a new Operational Circular (OC) to replace OC 9 and OC 10 and thus covering all forms of investigation, which must always be both inculpatory and exculpatory, swiftly reached consensus. As regards the Joint Advisory Appeals Board (JAAB) and

Open to boys and girls aged 3 to 13. Book anywhere from 1 to 5 days, and family discounts are available.

• Week of 12 October: Nyon · Lausanne
• Week of 19 October: Geneva – Varembé (Nations) · Geneva – Vessy (Champel) · Nyon · Lausanne

Autumn Football Courses – Join Anytime! 

It’s not too late to join! Our after-school and weekend courses, both indoors and outdoors, run until mid-December, and fees are prorated for late sign-ups.

Locations:

• Geneva: Chênois · Onex · Chêne-Bourg · Cologny · Nations · Versoix
• Vaud: Nyon · Etoy · Lausanne

Girls-only courses are also available.

Book

It is often said that young people are the future, and their voices should be heard. What, then, do young people working at CERN have to say? The Five-Yearly Review Survey gave them the platform: 205 students responded, 100 Doctoral Students (a 41% participation rate) and 105 Technical Students, Administrative Students and Trainee (31%). 

Doctoral student contract duration

More than half of doctoral student respondents (51%) believe a three-year contract is insufficient to complete their PhD. They point to activities unrelated to their research imposed by CERN or the university, overly

Looking for a caring and stimulating environment for your child? Le Jardin des Particules, run by the CERN Staff Association, currently has places available:

• nursery: 3 full-time places still available in the 2–3 year-old group.
• school: a few places for pupils aged 4 to 10

Continuity in education from 4 months to 10 years

The nursery welcomes young children with an approach built on child-centred care, kindness and close partnership with families. Activities include psychomotor development, music awareness, yoga and a range of age-appropriate activities. A settling-in period helps each