CERN Summer School Brings Top Computational Physics and Information Technology Expertise to Tartu

From August 21st to September 1st, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is hosting a computational summer school in Tartu. The summer school is bringing top experts in computational physics and IT from CERN to Tartu, along with students and engineers from around the world. Prior to the summer school, there will be a high-level meeting between representatives from Tartu University, the Ministry of Education and Research, and CERN to discuss collaboration opportunities for Estonia. A public lecture on the history and philosophy of the internet will also be held for the local community.

The summer school will be opened by the Rector of Tartu University, Toomas Asser, at 10 a.m. at the V-Spa Conference Center, and it will be attended by the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas.

Running until September 1st, the CSC (CERN Computational Summer School) program consists of approximately 50 hours of lectures and practical exercises on three major topics: computational physics, software development, and data technologies. These lectures and practical sessions will be conducted by CERN scientists. Students who pass the final exam will receive a CSC diploma and academic credits from Tartu University. The summer school is intended for students starting at the master's level, 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 materials technology professor at Tartu University and Estonia's representative in CERN's science policy working group, organizing the summer school is an excellent opportunity for Tartu University to participate in the work of one of Europe's largest research centers and share experiences. "CERN's Computational Summer School operates in fields where Estonia is the strongest - IT and its applications. The applications of computational physics are a key area in the development of modern high technology, scientific research, and success in deep technology entrepreneurship," explained Zadin. Estonia has been participating in large CERN experiments for years. Sharing experiences allows for deeper collaboration and finding resources for technology transfer through deep technology startups. "Tartu University already has successful examples of research-based companies, such as GScan and LightCodePhotonics. We hope that more examples will emerge and that 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. In this 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 p.m. in the large hall of the Delta Study Building.

The 44th edition of this summer school is being organized with the help of scientists from Tartu University's Institute of Technology, from the European Science Education Chair in MATTER.

For more information: Summer school program: https://indico.cern.ch/e/CSC-2023 Public lecture: https://shorturl.at/abX16

Additional information: Veronika Zadin, materials technology professor, Tartu University, +555 44178, veronika.zadin@ut.ee