If the new project is approved, the particle accelerator would be built in a 91 kilometer long, ring-shaped tunnel.Image: www.imago-images.de
CERN is starting public hearings for its project for a new particle accelerator in Switzerland and France. The public can comment on the “Future Circular Collider” (FCC) for four months. A decision on the project will not be made until 2028 at the earliest.
May 13, 2026, 10:32 amMay 13, 2026, 10:32 am
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (Cern) announced on Wednesday that the exchange with the public is part of the preparations for the final project decision. The project is currently still in the study phase.
If the project is approved, the particle accelerator would be built in a 91 kilometer long ring-shaped tunnel. This would run at an average depth of 200 meters beneath the canton of Geneva and the French departments of Haute-Savoie and Ain.
In the system, electrons are supposed to collide with their antiparticles, the positrons. CERN expects results with high precision to research fundamental questions in physics.
In Switzerland, the consultation process begins on May 18th and lasts until October 2nd. A public debate will take place in France from June 2nd to October 1st.
Public meetings, workshops and visits are planned in both countries. (sda)