President Karis says that full membership of CERN will provide new opportunities for Estonian students, researchers and entrepreneurs to get involved in cutting-edge R&D. “This is a significant milestone for Estonian science and technology companies,” he remarked. “Our scientific community set their sights on CERN many years ago when I was rector of the University of Tartu. I am delighted that the efforts of our government, businesses and academic community have secured our membership.”
The head of state will meet with CERN director general Fabiola Gianotti, who will provide him with an overview of the organisation’s activities. The meeting will focus on deepening research cooperation, companies’ capacity for innovation and boosting R&D investments. President Karis will also be talking to the Estonian scientists working at CERN and learning about the work of the world’s largest particle accelerator.
In the afternoon, the head of state will be visiting Campus Biotech, a Swiss centre of excellence in biotechnology and life sciences whose research focuses on neuroscience and digital and global health.
At the end of the visit, President Karis will be meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to discuss rules-based trade, support for Ukraine and the promotion of sustainable development goals within the WTO. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Estonia’s accession to the organisation.
