From August 21st to September 1st, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Computational Summer School will take place in Tartu. The summer school will bring top experts in computational physics and IT from CERN to Tartu, as well as students and engineers from around the world. Prior to the summer school, there will be a high-level meeting between representatives of the University of Tartu, the Ministry of Education and Research, and CERN to discuss collaboration opportunities in Estonia. For the local residents, there will be a popular science public lecture on the topics of internet history and philosophy.
The summer school will be opened by the Rector of the University of Tartu, Toomas Asser, at 10 AM at the V-Spa Conference Center, and the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, will welcome the participants.
The CSC (CERN Computational Summer School) program, running until September 1st, consists of approximately 50 hours of lectures and practical exercises on three major topics: computational physics, software development, and data technologies. These lectures and practicals are conducted by CERN scientists. Students who pass the final exam will receive a CSC diploma and earn credits from the University of Tartu. The summer school is designed for students at the master's level and above, as well as engineers and scientists with a few years of experience in particle physics, computer science, or related fields. The summer school has 69 participants from 28 countries.
According to Veronika Zadin, a professor of materials technology at the University of Tartu and the Estonian representative in CERN's Science Policy Working Group, organizing the summer school is an excellent opportunity for the University of Tartu to participate in the work of one of Europe's largest research centers and share experiences. "CERN's Computational Summer School operates in areas where Estonia is strongest - IT and its applications. The applications of computational physics are a key area in the development of modern high technology, in conducting cutting-edge research, and in achieving success in deep technology entrepreneurship," Zadin explained. Estonia has been participating in large CERN experiments for years. Sharing experiences allows for even deeper collaboration and finding means for technology transfer through deep technology startups. "Tartu University already has successful examples of research that has grown into companies, such as GScan and LightCodePhotonics. We hope that more examples will follow, and existing ones can be amplified," she added.
As part of the summer school, Francois Flückiger, a member of the Internet Hall of Fame and a CERN computer scientist, will deliver a public popular science evening lecture. During the lecture, Flückiger will share fascinating and humorous facts about the history of the internet and connect it with philosophy. The lecture will take place on August 28th at 8:30 PM in the Delta Study Hall.
The 44th edition of this summer school is being organized with the assistance of scientists from the University of Tartu's Institute of Technology, part of the European Research Space Chair MATTER working group.
For more information, please contact: Veronika Zadin, Professor of Materials Technology, University of Tartu, +372 555 44178, veronika.zadin@ut.ee