Ireland has officially joined the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) as an associate member state.
CERN is an intergovernmental organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world on the Franco-Swiss border, just outside Geneva.
The main focus of activity in CERN is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27km underground ring in which protons are accelerated and collided into one another.
Associate membership will allow Ireland's researchers to participate in CERN’s scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN.
Membership will also allow Ireland’s businesses to compete in CERN procurement programmes.
Associate membership is expected to cost around €1.9m a year, for an initial period of five years.
The formal route to associate membership entered its final steps in May this year with the signing of the associate membership agreement.
Read more: Ireland is joining CERN so what will this mean for us?
The Dáil and Government approved the Instrument of Accession to CERN in July triggering a 30-day standstill period which ends today.
"Joining CERN as an Associate Member is a landmark achievement for Ireland. It reflects years of ambition, collaboration and strategic leadership," said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless.
"Today, we open the door to world-class opportunities for Irish researchers, students and enterprises.
"We are stepping onto the world stage of discovery, and Ireland is ready to make its mark," Mr Lawless said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was pleased that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had been able to assist in bringing the goal of CERN membership to fruition.
"CERN is a highly prestigious international organisation and associate membership will offer Ireland significant opportunities going forward," Mr Harris said.
CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti said they are extremely happy to welcome Ireland as an associate member.
"Irish scientists have been involved in CERN’s programmes for decades, covering fields as varied as experimental physics, theory, medical applications and computer science," Dr Gianotti said.
"This agreement enables us to enhance our collaboration, opening up a broad range of new and mutually beneficial opportunities in fundamental research, technological developments and innovation, and education and training activities," she added.
