Prof. C. Fountas, President of the CERN Council, is visiting Lithuania: Discussions will focus on Lithuania’s path to full membership in the organisation
On October 19–20, Professor Costas Fountas, President of the Council of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), is visiting Lithuania. He is visiting at the invitation of Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport, following Lithuania’s official request to become a full member of this organisation.
Lithuania is ready to assume the responsibilities of a full member, actively contribute to the future of science and technology at CERN, and, at the same time, strengthen Europe’s scientific and industrial competitiveness. Over nearly a decade of associate membership, Lithuania's scientific and technological potential has grown significantly.
During his visit, Prof. C. Fountas will meet with the country’s top leaders – Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania; Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas; Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Prime Minister; and the heads of various ministries. Meetings are planned with the communities of Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, as well as with representatives of academic and business organisations.
The guest will also participate in the Lithuanian Science Forum on October 20, where he will give a presentation titled “From Particle Physics to Political Trust: CERN and the Power of Big Science Diplomacy” and will open a discussion on strategic partnerships. The Professor will also give a lecture to Vilnius University students titled “State of the Art Technology at CERN and its Role in the EU industry”.
The meetings and events will focus on Lithuania’s progress, its preparations for full membership in CERN, strengthening its scientific potential, cooperation with the business community, and Lithuanian participation in CERN experiments.
Lithuania’s goal of becoming a full member of CERN is included in the 21st Government's program.
Lithuania has been an associate member of CERN since 2018. During this period, Lithuanian researchers, doctoral students, and other students working or interning at CERN became actively involved in the organisation’s activities. Associate membership also provided Lithuanian companies with the opportunity to participate in CERN procurement.
Full membership would give Lithuania the right to participate in CERN’s strategic decision-making, open up more opportunities for the country’s scientists and young talent to pursue careers within the organisation, and allow Lithuanian high-tech companies to participate without restrictions in major CERN procurement tenders.
Photo courtesy of CERN.
Last updated: 26-10-2026
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