From 1 to 11 mai 2025, CERN participated for the second consecutive year in the Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc International Fair in La Roche-sur-Foron, which this year celebrated its 100th anniversary. As a global research institution, CERN demonstrated once again that it is also deeply rooted in its local region. Following a successful first participation in 2024, CERN returned this year to meet its neighbors in Haute-Savoie and invited visitors to explore its booth in Hall B1, to discover its mission and learn how particle physics research impacts our daily lives and helps shape our future.
Highlights at the booth included:
• The "Seeing the Invisible" workshop, to explore what the eye cannot perceive;
• The "Particle Identity" game, to find out which particle best matches your personality;
• And most importantly, the chance to engage with passionate scientists who were available to answer all questions and curiosities.
CERN has long-standing ties with the Annecy Laboratory of Particle Physics (LAPP), a research unit under the CNRS and the University of Savoie Mont-Blanc. This collaboration is built on close scientific and human connections, strengthened by numerous joint projects.
LAPP plays a key role in several CERN experiments, particularly through the design and optimization of detectors, the analysis of particle collision data, and the development of advanced technologies.
LAPP scientists were also present at the booth alongside CERN staff, offering the public a unique opportunity to interact with local researchers who are actively engaged in major fundamental research initiatives.
With over 100,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors, the Fair provided CERN a privileged opportunity to step outside its walls and connect with its neighbors and the broader community. By renewing its participation, CERN reaffirmed its commitment to making science accessible to everyone, sharing the fruits of its research, and demonstrating its concrete contribution to building a future grounded in knowledge, innovation, and cooperation.
For more information, visit the official website of the Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc International Fair.