CERN is the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, the world's largest particle physics centre. CERN scientists have received prestigious awards including Nobel Prizes. The World Wide Web was just one important discovery at CERN.

It is beyond most scientists' dreams to have the unique opportunity to join in the work of research teams participating in experiments at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. However, this is precisely what three University of Malta students - Andrew Zammit Mangion, Luana Micallef and André Xuereb - will be doing during the CERN Summer Student Programme.

CERN was one of Europe's first joint ventures, when the laboratory was set up in 1954 - with one of its aims being to achieve European eminence in science. Some 6,500 visiting scientists, half of the world's particle physicists, go to CERN for their research. They represent 500 universities and over 80 nationalities. The Laboratory not only attracts Nobel Prizes but also Nobel Laureates.

CERN is a laboratory where scientists unite to study the building blocks of matter and the forces that hold them together. CERN exists primarily to provide them with the necessary tools. These are accelerators, which accelerate particles to almost the speed of light and detectors to make the particles visible.

The Maltese students will be working together with some of the most respected and highly recognised scientists from all over the world. However, apart from the outstanding first-class scientific value of being in an institution at the forefront of technology and physics, the students will find working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment a unique opportunity to make long lasting contacts.

Several scientists from around the world will share with the students their knowledge about a wide range of topics in the fields of theoretical and experimental particle physics and computing. In addition to the work in the experimental teams, the students will attend lectures specially prepared for them and participate in discussion sessions and workshops.

Andrew, Luana and André will join Dr Nicholas Sammut, who undertook his Ph.D. jointly between the University of Malta and CERN and is now carrying our post-doctoral work at CERN. Dr Sammut's significant input was instrumental in obtaining these studentships.

"I am so grateful for this opportunity," says Andrew, a fourth-year Bachelor in Engineering (Hons) student. "When I first heard of CERN, I was fascinated by the high-tech requirements of the experiments there and have always longed to see with my own eyes, and maybe even participate in such high-profile scientific activities."

André, who is in Year IV of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) course, agrees that "studying at a world-class institution such as CERN is certainly one of the best opportunities a future scientist can have."

Luana, a third-year B.Sc. IT (Hons) student, looks forward to the unique opportunity. She said: "I am eager to meet and hold discussions with students from other universities, widen my knowledge and enrich my personality."

Professor Ing. Joseph. Micallef, who leads research in microelectronics at the University, agrees that CERN presents a wonderful opportunity. "I was always impressed by the idea of actually using anti-particles in high-energy experiments," he remarked.

University of Malta Pro-Rectors Professor Richard Muscat and Dr Mary Anne Lauri said it was a privilege for the University to have been able to secure a place for the students at CERN's summer programme. They congratulated the students and thanked Dr Sammut and Professor Micallef for their valuable involvement, and the International and EU Office for co-ordinating the necessary logistical details.

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