CERN Alumni Costa Rica Regional Group Launches at Historic CLASHEP Event
Published on May 11, 2025
Quesada, Costa Rica, 4 May 2025 – A milestone for science in Central America was marked with the launch of the CERN Alumni Costa Rica Regional Group, the first of its kind in the region. The launch took place during the CERN Latin-American School of High-Energy Physics (CLASHEP), hosted for the first time in Costa Rica.
The timing and setting of the launch were highly symbolic, as the event brought together CERN Alumni and the School’s students—79 young scientists from 21 nationalities, representing 18 countries, including eight from Central America (Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala). This unique context enabled alumni to share their experiences, inspire students, and promote international scientific collaboration.
The group was officially launched by Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, who emphasised the importance of this initiative for Costa Rica, a country that places great value on education and global cooperation. Her words reinforced the group’s mission to connect science, education, and opportunity.Adding to the significance, two vice-rectors from CONARE (Costa Rica’s National Council of University Rectors) also joined the celebration, underscoring the impact this group could have on the nation’s academic and research ecosystem.
Reflecting on the occasion, one of the group’s founders, Andrés Marin, said:
“Launching the Costa Rica group during CLASHEP2025, and with a message from Secretary-General Grynspan, felt symbolic—connecting science, education, and global collaboration all in one space. It was a moment of pride and hope for our scientific community.”
CLASHEP 2025 runs from 30 April to 13 May near Quesada and features a wide-ranging curriculum in experimental particle physics, with lectures from top scientists and collaborative science communication projects. The School also integrates cultural and environmental education through excursions encouraging students to explore Costa Rica’s natural heritage.
The establishment of the CERN Alumni Costa Rica Regional Group highlights the increasing visibility and influence of Central America in the global scientific landscape and further cements CERN’s commitment to education, collaboration, and community-building in emerging physics regions.