South African scientific collaboration with 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
SA-ATLAS
SA-ISOLDE
SA-TT
International Masterclasses
SA-THEORY
International Travel forms (iThemba LABS staff only)
International Travel forms (SA-CERN members ):
Local Travel form


CERN ATLAS Experiment
Excellence Bursaries for Research at CERN
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.
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.
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.
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?
How Do I Apply for SA-CERN Opportunities?
What Opportunities Does SA-CERN Provide for Students?
What Impact Has SA-CERN Had on Careers?
For further queries regarding the SA-CERN Programme, please contact:

Prof. Jean Cleymans
Chairman of the SA-CERN Programme
University of Cape Town

Prof. Zinhle Buthelezi
Scientific Secretary SA-CERN Programme
Senior Research Scientist at NRF-iThemba LABS











