New CERN leader Mark Thomson takes on challenges with $17 billion clash

As reported by multiple sources, Mark Thomson, a renowned British physicist, has been appointed as the next director general of CERN, the prestigious European laboratory for particle physics near Geneva. He will take over from Fabiola Gianotti at the end of 2025. Thomson will face significant challenges, including securing funding for the ambitious Future Circular Collider (FCC) project and navigating the political complexities exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Challenges for the new leader

According to one report by Nature, Thomson, who previously worked on large experiments at CERN, will lead the laboratory through a critical period. At an estimated cost of $17 billion, the FCC wants to create a 56-mile-long particle collision tunnel, which is expected to explore deeper physics questions over the course of the century. Doubts about the project have arisen from Germany, which provides CERN’s largest financial contribution. China’s own plans for a similar clash also threaten CERN’s timeline and global leadership in this area.

Moreover, the political climate brings its own challenges. Next After the war in Ukraine, CERN severed ties with Russia, and cooperation with other countries will likely require careful diplomacy.

CERN’s key projects and Thomson’s leadership

Thomson’s term begins as CERN continues to upgrade its current facility, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), with an investment of €1.5 billion. This effort is intended to support CERN’s experiments at the forefront of particle physics. Thomson is expected to focus on maintaining the lab’s scientific momentum while addressing skepticism surrounding the FCC.

Thomson is seen as aligned with the vision of his predecessor, Fabiola Gianotti, but his approach is likely to involve transparent decision-making in light of differing views within the scientific community. Ursula Bassler, former chair of the CERN board, expressed optimism about Thomson’s leadership, citing his ability to manage the complexities surrounding the project.

Thomson’s background and role at CERN

Thomson’s appointment as the first British director of CERN in more than twenty years brings significant experience. After co-leading the discovery of the Higgs boson at the LHC in 2012, he has a deep understanding of CERN’s capabilities and ambitions.