Data, Detectors, and Dialogue - How to get involved
CERN alumni have plenty of ways to stay involved with the CERN Alumni Network (CAN), and communications is one of the most impactful. Following the CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) standards for alumni engagement, we focus on three aspects: experiential involvement, volunteering, and communications, each offering various ways for alumni to stay connected, benefit from the community and also share their valuable experience .
When it comes to communications, one of the easiest ways to stay engaged is by sharing relevant information on the CERN Alumni platform—whether it’s posting about upcoming events, job opportunities, or exciting projects, such as your companies or start-ups. You can also take part in discussions on Your Virtual R1, our dedicated forum where alumni spark conversations, exchange insights, and support one another. Additionally, you can share your post-CERN journey by being interviewed or writing about your experiences, helping to inspire others while gaining visibility for your current work.
Many alumni also become CERN promoters, actively referring their networks to join the platform and fostering a thriving, dynamic community. David Underhill shared when asked why encourage others to join: "The ‘old codgers’ was probably the forerunner of the CERN Alumni, a small group of computer operators joining the DD in the late sixties. It's always nice to keep in touch with those guys you have worked with, become good friends and enjoyed times together."
The benefits of staying involved are significant—many alumni we’ve interviewed have shared how fulfilling it is to give back, inspire others, and remain connected to CERN’s global network.
Timo Laine, who recently participated in a campaign to recruit more applicants from Finland, expressed how meaningful it was to reconnect with the CERN community:
“I wanted to rejoin the CERN community after my transformative summer experience, seeking to network with fellow alumni and maintain my connection to CERN’s prestigious reputation. Being part of this network allows me to feel connected to an organization that significantly shaped my early career.”
“Sharing my positive experience and promoting CERN’s opportunities is a way to give back and help talented young people discover the same life-changing experience I had. By attracting new talent, I hope to contribute to CERN’s continued success as a leading international research organization.”
Why not consider how YOU can contribute? Whether by posting, engaging in conversations, or sharing your story, your involvement strengthens the CERN Alumni community and keeps the spirit of CERN alive beyond the laboratory.
Stay tuned to find out how we plan to recognise your contributions!