Nine Years of the CERN Alumni Network: Connecting People, Ideas and Impact
On 8 June 2017, the CERN Alumni Network was launched with a simple but ambitious vision: to ensure that the CERN experience did not end when a contract did, and to build a cohesive and supportive global community where current and former members of personnel could remain connected, support one another and continue to benefit from the unique relationships forged at CERN.
Nine years later, that vision has evolved into a vibrant global community of more than 12,000 members, spanning continents, professions and generations. What began as an initiative to help former members of personnel stay connected with CERN and one another has become a powerful network of ambassadors, mentors, innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists and supporters who continue to demonstrate the lasting impact of a CERN experience.
From its earliest days, the Network embraced a philosophy that remains at the heart of everything we do: once part of the CERN community, always part of the CERN community.
Building a Global Community
The past nine years have been a remarkable journey of growth.
Within its first year, the Network had already grown to more than 3,000 members. By 2021, despite the challenges of a global pandemic, membership had surpassed 7,000. The community continued to expand rapidly, reaching 8,000 members in 2022, 10,000 members in 2024, 11,000 members in 2025 and 12,000 members in 2026.
Today, the CERN Alumni Network spans more than 150 countries and brings together former and current members of personnel from every career stage and professional background. From students and technicians, to engineers, administrators, researchers and senior leaders, the Network reflects the diversity and international nature of CERN itself.
Yet the success of the CERN Alumni Network is about much more than numbers. Behind every alum is a story: a student taking their first career steps, an engineer applying CERN-developed skills in industry, an entrepreneur launching a new venture, a scientist advancing knowledge, or a former member of personnel continuing to champion the values of international collaboration.
Over the years, alumni have shared inspiring stories of innovation, leadership, resilience and discovery. We have celebrated alumni who have founded start-ups, developed groundbreaking technologies, advanced scientific research, inspired future generations, contributed to public policy and applied CERN's spirit of innovation to challenges across society. These stories remind us that the true strength of the Network lies not in its size, but in its people.
Bringing Alumni Together
One of the Network's greatest achievements has been its ability to bring people together.
In 2018, First Collisions welcomed hundreds of alumni back to CERN for the first major reunion of the community. For many, it was an opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, revisit the Laboratory and celebrate a shared experience that had shaped both careers and lives.
These reunions have since become defining moments for the community, strengthening relationships and creating new opportunities for collaboration across generations, disciplines and countries.
Growing Through Challenge
Less than three years after the Network's launch, the world entered an unprecedented period of uncertainty.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought lockdowns, travel restrictions and social isolation on a global scale. Communities everywhere faced challenges in maintaining connections and engagement.
The CERN Alumni Network adapted quickly. Virtual events, online networking opportunities and digital engagement enabled members to remain connected despite physical separation. During a time when many people felt isolated, the Network continued to provide opportunities for alumni to share experiences, support one another and remain part of the CERN community.
Rather than slowing down, the Network continued to grow. Membership surpassed 7,000 during this period, demonstrating that the CERN experience creates bonds that transcend geography, borders and circumstances.
The pandemic challenged us to think differently about how we engage our community. In doing so, it accelerated innovation and enabled us to reach alumni who may never previously have been able to participate in events held on-site.
An Award-Winning Community
One of the most significant achievements of this period was Second Collisions, held virtually in 2021.
Faced with the impossibility of organising an in-person reunion, the CERN Alumni team reimagined what an alumni gathering could be. Alumni from around the world joined a unique online experience that combined inspiring talks, networking opportunities and virtual exploration of CERN.
The event not only strengthened the community during a difficult period but also demonstrated the creativity and adaptability that have become hallmarks of the Network.
Its success was recognised internationally when Second Collisions received a CASE Circle of Excellence Gold Award, one of the highest honours in the alumni relations profession. The award acknowledged the innovative approach taken to engaging a global community during extraordinary circumstances and placed CERN Alumni among the leading alumni programmes worldwide.
Returning to CERN
In 2024, Third Collisions brought the community together once again, welcoming nearly 600 alumni and current members of personnel back to CERN.
The event was particularly special as it was among the first major community gatherings to be hosted in CERN Science Gateway, CERN's new education and outreach centre, which had opened only a few months earlier. Bringing alumni into this inspiring new space reflected the continued importance of the community within CERN's broader mission and provided a fitting setting to celebrate the achievements and impact of CERN alumni around the world.
Supporting Careers, Learning and Lifelong Connections
As the community has grown, so too have the opportunities available to members.
Mentoring, networking events, speaker series, career support, regional groups and interest groups have enabled alumni to connect with one another in meaningful ways, regardless of where they live or work.
Thousands of members have benefited from shared expertise, professional advice and opportunities created through the Network. Alumni have volunteered as mentors, speakers, ambassadors and group managers, helping others navigate career transitions, discover new opportunities and remain connected to CERN.
Recent initiatives such as CAN-doers have further highlighted the extraordinary contribution of volunteers whose time, expertise and enthusiasm help strengthen the community and create opportunities for others.
The success of the Network has always depended on the willingness of alumni to give back.
Celebrating Alumni Impact
Throughout the years, one of the greatest privileges has been sharing the stories of our community.
Through interviews, articles, talks and events, we have showcased the incredible diversity of careers and achievements represented within the Network. Alumni have shared lessons learned from leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, scientific discoveries, humanitarian work and public service.
The CERN Alumni Awards, launched to recognise exceptional achievements and contributions, have further highlighted the remarkable impact of our community. From scientific excellence and technological innovation to leadership, entrepreneurship and support of the Network, the awards celebrate alumni whose accomplishments reflect the values and spirit of CERN.
These stories remind us that the true value of an alumni network lies not simply in maintaining contact, but in recognising and amplifying the impact of its members.
The CERN Alumni Network has become a platform for showcasing how a CERN experience continues to shape lives, careers and communities long after people leave the Organization.
Looking Ahead
Nine years after its launch, the CERN Alumni Network is stronger than ever.
What began as an idea has become a thriving global community of more than 12,000 members connected by shared experiences, common values and a continuing relationship with CERN.
This success would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of thousands of alumni, volunteers, mentors, speakers, regional and interest group leaders, advisory board members and partners who have contributed their time, expertise and passion to building this community.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we thank everyone who has been part of the journey so far. Whether you joined the Network in 2017 or yesterday, you are part of this story.
In French, the word neuf means both "nine" and "new". As we celebrate nine years of the CERN Alumni Network, that dual meaning feels particularly appropriate. We are proud of everything this community has achieved since 2017, but we are equally excited about what comes next. Nine years on, the CERN Alumni Network remains as dynamic, curious and forward-looking as ever.
We invite all members to make the most of the opportunities available through the Network. Take a moment to review and update your profile, reconnect with former colleagues, explore mentoring, join a regional or interest group, and visit the alumni platform regularly to discover news, events, career opportunities and community discussions. The value of the Network grows with the participation of its members.
And while we celebrate the past nine years, we are already looking ahead to the next opportunity to come together. Save the date for Fourth Collisions, which will take place at CERN from 19 to 21 March 2027. We look forward to welcoming alumni from around the world back to CERN to reconnect, share experiences and help shape the next chapter of our community.
The first nine years have shown what is possible when people remain connected by curiosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Here's to the next chapter.
Happy 9th anniversary to the CERN Alumni Network and thanks to all of you for your support!