MTU Joins CERN’s Global Quest in Groundbreaking Experiment

Munster Technological University (MTU) has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first Irish institution to partake directly in the world’s largest scientific experiment at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. This collaboration is part of a global initiative aimed at unraveling the fundamental mysteries of the universe. As of October 28, 2025, MTU has established itself as Ireland’s first Technical Associate Institute within the prestigious ATLAS Collaboration, an important project of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that was instrumental in the discovery of the Higgs boson particle in 2012.

Of the 246 organizations worldwide engaged in analyzing CERN-ATLAS data, only 17 hold the status of Technical Associate Institutes. This positions MTU among a select group of institutions contributing to groundbreaking scientific research. The university’s involvement primarily focuses on engineering critical systems for the ATLAS detector, which is preparing for the upcoming high-luminosity phase of the LHC.

Engineering Innovations for Global Research

Under the leadership of senior researcher Dr. Manuel Caballero, a dedicated team at MTU is responsible for building and testing the essential electrical panels and cables required for the upgraded detectors. Each component is crucial; any failure could disrupt experiments involving scientists from across the globe. This meticulous work ensures that the tools needed for advancing our understanding of particle physics are reliable and effective.

In addition to this, lecturer Paddy McGowan and his team are engaged in designing intricate mechanical supports that will securely hold thousands of sensors, along with cooling pipes and cables. These components will operate under extreme conditions deep underground, illustrating the complex challenges faced by researchers in this field. MTU is also contributing to the design of the core cooling system essential for these advanced detectors.

Contributing to Humanity’s Greatest Scientific Quest

Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Niall Smith, head of research and CERN-ATLAS lead at MTU, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities this presents. He stated, “This is about giving Irish staff, students, and industry the chance to be part of one of humanity’s greatest scientific quests.”

Through these ambitious projects, Irish engineers and researchers at MTU are not only enhancing their own skills but also contributing to the wider scientific community. Their work might ultimately lead to groundbreaking discoveries about dark matter, the origins of the universe, and the fundamental question of why the universe exists.

As MTU continues to make strides in its collaboration with CERN, the university exemplifies how local institutions can play a pivotal role in global scientific advancements. This partnership not only elevates MTU’s status in the international scientific arena but also inspires future generations of scientists and engineers in Ireland and beyond.