We need more mega-science projects, says CERN Director-General
CERN Director-General Mark Thomson has advocated for more mega-science projects, highlighting the proposed Future Circular Collider as a visionary goal for humanity. The organization is currently upgrading the Large Hadron Collider to increase its discovery potential.
Why it matters
Large-scale international scientific collaborations drive technological innovation and fundamental understanding of the universe, though they require massive long-term funding and political consensus.
The world needs more mega-science projects, said Director-General of CERN, Mark Thomson, during his visit to Mumbai on Monday (August 31, 2026) for the India premiere of ‘The Peace Particle’, a documentary on CERN. The documentary was premiered at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. During the programme, Mr. Thomson also delivered an address on ‘particle physics: today and tomorrow’.
While answering The Hindu’ s questions on the future projects of CERN and the organisation’s interest in India, Mr. Thomson said the Future Circular Collider would push the boundaries of innovation, technology and imagination.
The Future Circular Collider would be a new 91-km ring, which was expected to be operational by 2045-48. Its final stage would collide electrons and positrons. It had not yet been approved, but CERN expected a positive decision by 2028, Mr. Thomson said.
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