SA-CERN

South African scientific collaboration with CERN

SA-CERN Excellence Bursaries offer full support for MSc and PhD students to pursue world-class research at CERN.
The SA-CERN Programme fosters academic and technological leadership, supporting research careers and global partnerships.
SA-CERN

Global Research Excellence through the SA-CERN Programme

The SA-CERN programme is a national programme funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation to provide South African researchers, students, engineers and technicians with an opportunity to participate in the world's premier and largest international research facility at CERN. The main aim of the SA CERN programme is to make the facilities at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland available to South African researchers, engineers, technicians and students. These facilities include ISOLDE (Isotope Separator On Line Device) and the LHC (Large Hadron Collider), the latter being a particle accelerator with a circumference of 27 kilometres, the largest and most powerful of its kind in the world. These facilities have been built to make new discoveries. The SA-CERN programme gives scientists and research students in South Africa access to the data obtained at CERN and allows them to take part in the running of experiments in Geneva. The outcomes are world class research, participation in global science, high level capacity development, innovation and technology transfer leading to competitive industry and infrastructure, the attraction of high quality young South Africans into the Science and Technology system and the development of the public understanding of science.

SA-ALICE
Studies quark-gluon plasma, recreating early universe conditions through high-energy heavy ion collisions.
SA-ATLAS
Explores fundamental particles and forces, including the Higgs boson, through high-energy particle collisions.
SA-ISOLDE
producing radioactive ion beams for nuclear physics, astrophysics, and medical isotope research.
SA-TT
The SA-CERN Technology Transfer advances knowledge transfer within the research enterprise.
International Masterclasses
International Masterclasses 2025 will take place from 24. February - 11. April 2025
SA-THEORY
Which participates in the High Energy Physics and Nuclear Physics Theoretical research related to work at CERN.
CERN ATLAS Experiment
CERN ATLAS Experiment
SA-CERN
Excellence Bursaries for Research at CERN
Support for Access to Global Research Infrastructure:
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the NRF prioritize access to global research infrastructure as part of their strategy for advancing research and human capacity development in South Africa.
Establishment of the SA-CERN Programme:
The SA-CERN Programme was launched to enable South African researchers from universities and institutions to participate in groundbreaking research at CERN, the world’s largest international research facility. This initiative connects South African talent with global scientific advancements.
Bursaries for Outstanding South African Students:
To maximize the opportunities at CERN, the SA-CERN Programme offers a limited number of bursaries to exceptional MSc and PhD students. These bursaries support their academic careers in scientific and technical fields, ensuring the development of the next generation of South African researchers. The bursaries provide full cost support, including research trips to CERN for projects aligned with the programme's objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions

The SA-CERN Programme is a national initiative that connects South African researchers, students, engineers, and technicians with the world's largest particle physics laboratory, CERN, based in Geneva, Switzerland. This programme allows them to participate in groundbreaking experiments and contribute to cutting-edge research in various fields, such as particle physics, nuclear physics, and advanced computing.

Who Can Participate in the SA-CERN Programme?
The programme is open to South African researchers from universities and institutions, providing opportunities to collaborate on experiments like ALICE, ATLAS, and ISOLDE. These collaborations offer unparalleled access to CERN’s global infrastructure and research capabilities.
How Do I Apply for SA-CERN Opportunities?
Interested individuals can apply through their affiliated institutions, responding to calls from the SA-CERN Programme. There are regular opportunities for bursaries and travel to CERN for postgraduate students and researchers.
What Opportunities Does SA-CERN Provide for Students?
SA-CERN offers BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD projects in various scientific fields, allowing students to work alongside leading international scientists. The programme also provides financial support through bursaries and opportunities to travel to CERN to participate in experiments.
What Impact Has SA-CERN Had on Careers?
Graduates of the SA-CERN Programme have gone on to secure faculty positions at universities, establish their own companies, and work for some of the world’s largest corporations. The programme not only enhances academic careers but also contributes to the broader economic and technological landscape of South Africa.
For further queries regarding the SA-CERN Programme, please contact:
For any additional information or inquiries regarding the SA-CERN Programme, you can reach out to the programme’s key contacts. Prof. Jean Cleymans, the Chairman of the SA-CERN Programme, and Prof. Zinhle Buthelezi, the Scientific Secretary, are available to assist with queries related to research, student opportunities, or general participation in the programme.
Prof. Jean Cleymans
Prof. Jean Cleymans

Chairman of the SA-CERN Programme

University of Cape Town

Prof. Zinhle Buthelezi
Prof. Zinhle Buthelezi

Scientific Secretary SA-CERN Programme

Senior Research Scientist at NRF-iThemba LABS