As World's Biggest Nuclear Research Center Turns 70, It Looks for Ways to Finance Next Big Thing.

EUROPEAN Organization for Nuclear Research; COSMIC rays; PARTICLE physics; PARTICLE accelerators; WORLD Wide Web; NUCLEAR physics

CERN, the world's largest nuclear research center, is seeking funding for a $17 billion project to construct the Future Circular Collider. The current particle accelerator at CERN is nearing the end of its useful life, and the organization needs financial support from cash-strapped European member states. CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti is also exploring new ways to fund research on topics such as dark matter and cosmic rays. The geopolitical stakes are high, as the West aims to maintain its lead over China in particle physics. A feasibility study on the new accelerator will conclude in 2025, with a decision on approval expected in 2027 or 2028. CERN is considering private-sector financing for its scientific program, but further discussion is needed. [Extracted from the article]

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