CERN Chief: World Needs Mega-Science
Director-General Mark Thomson backs $10bn Future Circular Collider for 2045 launch
The world needs more mega-science projects, according to CERN Director-General Mark Thomson. During his visit to Mumbai on August 31, 2026, for the India premiere of the documentary 'The Peace Particle', Thomson emphasized the importance of such projects in pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology.
Thomson highlighted the Future Circular Collider as a visionary project that will collide electrons and positrons in its final stage. The new 91-km ring is expected to be operational by 2045-48, with CERN expecting a positive decision on the project by 2028.
Another significant project in the works is the High-Luminosity LHC, which will provide an incredible scientific opportunity with real discovery potential. The High-Luminosity LHC will have 10 times more brightness compared to the current LHC, which is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
The current LHC, with its 27-km tunnel, accelerates two beams of subatomic particles to near the speed of light and smashes them together. The LHC was officially shut down on June 29, 2026, and is scheduled to remain completely offline till 2030. During this time, CERN will work on upgrading the LHC to its high-luminosity version.
## Why it matters The development of mega-science projects like the Future Circular Collider and the High-Luminosity LHC has significant implications for the scientific community and beyond. These projects have the potential to drive innovation, advance technology, and provide new insights into the fundamental nature of the universe. As Thomson noted, the Future Circular Collider is not just a project for particle physics, but a scientific and visionary project that can benefit humanity as a whole.
The pursuit of mega-science projects requires significant investment, collaboration, and resources. However, the potential rewards are substantial, with the possibility of groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields. As CERN continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, the world waits with anticipation for the next major breakthrough.
