MOSCOW, April 8 (Itar-Tass) – Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets has confirmed Russia’s decision to raise its status in the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, from an observer state to an associate member, the government’s press service said on Monday.
At the meeting with the CERN authorities in Geneva on April 5 she expressed confidence that Russia’s more active participation in the project is advantageous for all parties.
“Qualification and knowledge of Russian scientists in physics are recognized by the international community and not disputed. It is principally important for Russia to participate in the world’s leading research projects,” she said.
“CERN membership will open for Russia broader access to participation in projects and property as a result of these projects as well as broader opportunities for all types of education programmes,” Golodets said.
In particular, she noted that CERN researches yielded results not only in physics, but also in medicine.
A special group of CERN is expected to arrive in Moscow on April 18 to confirm Russia’s readiness for associate membership. In this case a new status can be granted to Russia in 2014.
During her visit Golodets inspected CERN’s new project – the Large Hadron Collider – and met with Russian researchers engaged in the project.
After her mission Russia’s Education and Science Ministry received certain instructions to improve education programmes and working conditions for researchers.
Russian has been participating in CERN projects since 1967. Now over 800 Russian scientists work with the organization.