CERN Accelerating science

Prototype profile: Stirling cryo-cooler

Stirling cryo-cooler

A Stirling machine is a device, that can be used as a heat pump to effectively cool down a given system. In reverse it can be used to generate electricity out of a heat source. It was invented 200 years ago and has not been improved/changed greatly since then, as there was never an economic interest.



1st Next Generation Triggers Hackathon: a week of innovation and collaboration

1st Next Generation Triggers Hackathon: a week of innovation and collaboration

The 1st NGT Hackathon, held at CERN IdeaSquare from 7–11 April 2025, brought together more than 40 students and researchers from across the Next Generation Triggers (NGT) collaboration and 15 other institutes.



IdeaSquare progress report – 10th anniversary special edition

IdeaSquare progress report – 10th anniversary special edition

IdeaSquare passed an amazing milestone in 2024. We celebrated our 10th anniversary, and it was a moment to look back – at our origins, our development and, most crucially, our impact. With this report, we invite you to be part of our project, share in this occasion and discover everything we have done, do and aim to do.



TeSI programme: connecting science and business to address societal challenges

TeSI programme: connecting science and business to address societal challenges

Technological advancements continue to play a significant role in addressing societal challenges. The intersection of technology, business, and design provides opportunities for developing innovative solutions that respond to critical social needs. Within this framework, different initiatives aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. 



To kick off this year’s Prototyping at CERN series, we invite you to join a community of innovative prototypers

To kick off this year’s Prototyping at CERN series, we invite you to join a community of innovative prototypers

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CBI A3 programme: empowering students across continents to tackle global challenges

CBI A3 programme: empowering students across continents to tackle global challenges

The increasing complexity of societal challenges has led to the emergence of educational programmes that aim to equip students with the necessary skills to develop innovative solutions. These programmes focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering global responsibility, and leveraging emerging technologies. By integrating different domains, including deep technology, design, and engineering, among others, such programmes prepare students to address issues aligned with global sustainability goals.



A workshop to introduce children from the Jardin des Particules to prototyping and teamwork

For three mornings, around forty children from the Jardin des Particules came to IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN, for an extraordinary workshop!
A workshop to introduce children from the Jardin des Particules to prototyping and teamwork For three mornings, around forty children from the Jardin des Particules came to IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN, for an extraordinary workshop!

Summer school at CERN IdeaSquare on experimentation-driven research methodologies 

Register for a summer school at CERN IdeaSquare on experimentation-driven research methodologies taking place in June!
CERN IdeaSquare Summer School 2025 Register for a summer school at CERN IdeaSquare on experimentation-driven research methodologies taking place in June!

FTSF programme: linking design and technology for sustainable textile solutions

FTSF programme: linking design and technology for sustainable textile solutions

The Future Technologies for Sustainable Fashion (FTSF) programme is an initiative designed to explore the intersection of fashion and technology through a critical lens focused on sustainability, future scarcity, and space habitation.



CBI4AI programme: connecting technology with human needs

CBI4AI programme: connecting technology with human needs

The development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly transformed different aspects of society and business, influencing industries, economies, and human interactions. Its rapid advancements have introduced new possibilities in data analysis, automation, and problem-solving, raising fundamental questions about its ethical and sustainable implementation. As AI continues to evolve, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between technological innovation and human needs, ensuring that new developments serve society effectively.



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