India today became an associate member of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics labaratory.

India today became an associate member of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics labaratory.

The agreement was signed today by Sekhar Basu, Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and CERN Director General Dr Fabiola Gianotti at the DAE’s office here.

Last year, the Union Cabinet green-lit the proposal for India officially entering the Geneva-based body, following which the CERN Council accepted India as an associate member.

India had ‘observer’ status till September this year, when the CERN Council adopted a resolution upgrading its position.

“There are three major activities going on in our laboratory– accelerators, detectors and computing. Indian scientist fraternity is good at all the three areas; hence we have taken decision to upgrade the status,” Gianotti told reporters here.

Becoming associate member of CERN will enhance participation of young scientists and engineers in various CERN projects. (AGENCIES)