MTU Takes Historic Step in CERN Collaboration for Global Science

On October 28, 2025, Munster Technological University (MTU) became the first institution in Ireland to participate directly in the world’s largest scientific experiment at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. This involvement marks a significant milestone in a global initiative aimed at unraveling the fundamental mysteries of the universe.

MTU’s engagement with CERN began last year when it became Ireland’s first Technical Associate Institute to join the ATLAS Collaboration. This group is one of the flagship experiments at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which was instrumental in the discovery of the Higgs boson particle in 2012. Within the global consortium of 246 organizations analyzing data from CERN-ATLAS, only 17 are classified as Technical Associate Institutes, positioning MTU among a select group globally.

Engineering Contributions to High-Luminosity Phase

MTU’s contributions to CERN are primarily centered on engineering critical systems for the ATLAS detector as it gears up for the anticipated ‘high-luminosity’ phase of the LHC. Senior researcher Dr. Manuel Caballero and his team are tasked with building and testing the crucial electrical panels and cables that will supply power to the upgraded detectors. This infrastructure is vital, as the success of experiments relies on the flawless operation of every component.

In parallel, lecturer Paddy McGowan and his team at MTU are engaged in designing intricate mechanical supports intended to hold thousands of sensors, along with cooling pipes and cables. These components will function under extreme conditions deep underground, ensuring that the scientific equipment remains operational in the challenging environment of the LHC.

Supporting the Quest for Scientific Understanding

In addition to these projects, MTU is also contributing to the design of the core cooling system for the detectors. Dr. Niall Smith, head of research and the CERN-ATLAS lead at MTU, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This is about giving Irish staff, students, and industry the chance to be part of one of humanity’s greatest scientific quests.”

The work being done at MTU not only enhances the university’s research capabilities but also provides Irish engineers and researchers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science. Their efforts may play a crucial role in explaining complex phenomena such as dark matter and the origins of the universe.

Through this groundbreaking partnership, MTU is set to make significant strides in the field of particle physics, while also fostering a strong link between academia and the scientific community on an international scale.