Cover A 6‑metre‑high bridge connects the pavilions and tubular structures of Cern’s Science Gateway, symbolising the inseparable link between science and society, with sustainability at its core
A 6‑metre‑high bridge connects the pavilions and tubular structures of Cern’s Science Gateway, symbolising the inseparable link between science and society, with sustainability at its core
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Through its Perpetual Planet Initiative, Rolex is supporting the Cern & Society Foundation in fostering the next generation of scientific explorers
Imagine a place where the fundamental mysteries of the universe are explored, a place that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge. That place is the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, better known as Cern, the world’s foremost particle physics laboratory—a crucible of scientific excellence that not only expands the boundaries of human knowledge, but also delivers innovations that shape our daily lives. From the Higgs boson—a fundamental particle that plays a crucial role in the mechanism by which other particles acquire mass—to the foundations of the World Wide Web, Cern’s discoveries have rippled across industries, transforming the way we interact with technology.
Beyond its grand scientific ambitions, Cern is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of pioneers—an ethos that aligns with Rolex’s enduring dedication to exploration and discovery. The connection between Cern and Rolex dates back to 1956, when Cern scientists were asked to informally test a new Rolex watch, meticulously engineered to withstand powerful magnetic forces such as those in Cern’s particle accelerators. Today, this long‑standing partnership continues to spur young scientific minds, with Rolex serving as the title partner of the Cern & Society Foundation, an initiative designed to inspire and educate young minds worldwide.
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Above A 6‑metre‑high bridge connects the pavilions and tubular structures of Cern’s Science Gateway, symbolising the inseparable link between science and society, with sustainability at its core
A 6‑metre‑high bridge connects the pavilions and tubular structures of Cern’s Science Gateway, symbolising the inseparable link between science and society, with sustainability at its core
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As part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative, which champions individuals and organisations applying science to understand and solve environmental issues, Rolex actively supports the Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of Cern’s groundbreaking work. Beyond preserving knowledge, this alliance is about ensuring that scientific curiosity continues to thrive.
Cern’s sprawling campus, a hub of scientific exploration just a short drive north of Geneva in Switzerland, is where physicists and engineers work to unravel the fundamental forces that govern our universe. But science is not meant to be confined to laboratories. This belief is central to Cern’s Science Gateway, an education and outreach centre designed to engage the public in the wonders of particle physics.
Supported by Rolex and the Foundation, Science Gateway opened its doors in October 2023. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the carbon‑neutral facility, comprising four pavilions and two tubular structures, hosts immersive exhibitions, hands‑on experiment labs, a 900‑seat auditorium, a shop and a restaurant, and serves as a portal into Cern’s groundbreaking work, offering visitors rare opportunities to interact with the tools and minds shaping modern physics. Connecting the spaces is a 6‑metre‑high bridge that symbolises the vital link between science and society, a theme that resonates throughout Rolex’s commitment to exploration and discovery.
Above One of the many exhibition spaces in Science Gateway, Cern’s scientific education and outreach centre that takes visitors on a journey of discovery through Cern, its accelerators and scientists
One of the many exhibition spaces in Science Gateway, Cern’s scientific education and outreach centre that takes visitors on a journey of discovery through Cern, its accelerators and scientists
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For those with a deeper interest in scientific inquiry, there is the Cern & Society Foundation’s prestigious Beamline for Schools competition. Also backed by Rolex, it allows high school students from around the world to visit Cern and design as well as conduct their own particle physics experiments. In 2024 alone, 461 teams from 78 countries submitted proposals, proving its global appeal.
Winning students such as Yuzuka Sasaki from Japan do not just gain theoretical knowledge; they step into Cern’s world‑class facilities to test their hypotheses in real beamlines or by accelerating streams of subatomic particles. The experience is transformative, blending rigorous scientific methodology with the spirit of discovery. “We’re learning many things, like measuring cosmic rays and using Cern’s data acquisition system,” says Sasaki. “But we’re also making mistakes, talking with researchers, and being allowed to play and discover.”
Above Scientists working on a mini proton accelerator that will feature in an exhibition in Science Gateway
Scientists working on a mini proton accelerator that will feature in an exhibition in Science Gateway
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This hands‑on approach is precisely what physicist and Cern educator Anastasia Tezari hopes to cultivate. At Science Gateway’s open exploration workshops, one is encouraged to experiment freely, testing ideas without fear of failure. It is during these moments of curiosity‑driven learning that the next generation of scientists is forged. “The world,” says Tezari, “should know what’s happening here at Cern because every day, we find out something new, and get one step closer to finding out how the universe was created and how everything around us works.”
Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle, Cern’s director for international relations, highlights the impact of Rolex’s support so far. “Cern has been able to reach and educate more young people at a level that wouldn’t have been possible without Rolex,” says Warakaulle. “As a partner and a long‑standing supporter, Rolex has had a profound impact on our ability to engage the public in our work.”
Credits
Images: Rolex/Guillaume Mégevand
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
