As leading scientists and the UK government celebrate the 70th anniversary of CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) now and in the coming weeks, Cambridge professor Mark Thomson is being backed as its next Director-General.

CERN is the world’s foremost centre for particle physics research, and has made an unrivalled contribution to our collective understanding of the universe.

The UK is one of the 12 founding members of CERN and its second-largest financial backer. The funding has helped contribute to all of the institute’s major experience and discoveries, including the discovery of the Higgs boson particle in 2012.

CERN was also the birthplace of the World Wide Web, the brainchild of British scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and advances in particle accelerator technology developed there have opened new ways of treating cancer.

The institute’s anniversary comes at a key time, as a new Director-General will be selected this autumn, following a vote among the organisation’s member states.

Renowned Cambridge University particle physicist Professor Mark Thomson is the UK’s candidate for the role, running to develop a strategic plan for CERN’s upcoming major investment decisions, strengthening links with all of CERN’s member states, and building an inclusive culture for CERN staff.

Speaking on the anniversary and the upcoming vote, UK science and technology secretary Peter Kyle said: “We can aim higher and go further when we work together, and nowhere is that truer than at CERN.

“I am proud of the role the UK has played in CERN, going all the way back to its foundation 70 years ago, bringing some of Europe and the world’s greatest minds together at the absolute cutting edge of scientific endeavour.

“CERN’s value to the whole world cannot be overstated. It needs a leader with the scientific credentials, experience, and vision to ensure it keeps pushing forward the frontiers of human knowledge.

“Professor Mark Thomson has all three: he is the outstanding candidate to ensure a bright future for CERN, for everyone.”

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Tom Grinyer, who serves as the CEO of the Institute of Physics, also commented: “As a beacon for international scientific partnership, CERN is a shining example of the power of physics to change our lives for the better, from the breakthrough discovery of the Higgs boson to sowing the seeds of the World Wide Web.

“The next 70 years of innovation and discovery will be just as vital for humanity, and, if appointed, Professor Thomson has the credentials, experience and vision CERN will need as it continues to expand the horizons of our world.”