Lithuania to seek full CERN membership, PM says

Lithuania's prime minister announced on Friday that the country will formally apply for full membership in CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The move comes after years of participation under associate membership, which began in 2018. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius emphasized that full membership would allow Lithuania to expand its influence in European innovation policies and enhance its capabilities in high-tech industries. The government stated that the formal application to CERN will be submitted soon. Under associate membership, Lithuanian scientists, doctoral students, and interns have participated in CERN projects, while local companies have had access to bidding for contracts within the organization. This new step aims to eliminate current limitations placed on associate members, granting Lithuania greater autonomy and involvement in CERN's initiatives. Sinkevičius highlighted the potential benefits of full membership, including a stronger voice in shaping European innovation strategies and advancing expertise in key technological areas. He noted that Lithuanian researchers and businesses have already benefited from their association with CERN, and full membership would amplify these advantages. President Gitanas Nausėda has previously expressed interest in deepening ties with CERN, focusing on collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced detector systems, and quantum technologies. These areas represent strategic priorities for Lithuania's scientific and industrial development. CERN operates as a collaborative entity involving 25 member states and various associate partners engaged in cutting-edge physics research and technological advancements that have global implications across multiple sectors, including industry, healthcare, and information technology. The decision aligns with Lithuania's broader strategy to increase its presence in international scientific collaborations and leverage CERN's resources for national growth. By securing full membership, Lithuania seeks to position itself more prominently in the global scientific community and contribute actively to ongoing research efforts at CERN. Lithuania's pursuit of full CERN membership reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening its role in international science. As the application process unfolds, the country anticipates increased engagement with CERN's programs and enhanced opportunities for its scientific community and private sector.