Education

Training the IT specialists of the future

CERN openlab is a structure designed to create knowledge. We do this through research, development, and evaluation of cutting-edge computing technologies.

This knowledge is disseminated through a wide range of channels, from the publication of reports and articles to the organisation of lectures and seminars. By capitalising on our extensive network of connections from research and industry, we are able to secure speakers working at the forefront of new technologies. Wherever possible, we aim to make our lectures and seminars open to all via the Web.

In addition, we are working to ensure the next generation of IT specialists have the right skills, helping them to capitalise fully on the potential of groundbreaking new technologies. That's why we also organise hands-on workshops and training courses — often featuring invited coaches from industry — for both members of CERN and the wider research community.

On top of this, we organise hackathons and community computing challenges. Each year, the CERN openlab team helps to organise the “CERN Webfest”, an online hackathon based on open web technologies. The 2023 edition of this event is open to all and will tackle challenges related to the environment. 

Find all our latest events in our calendar. You can find lectures from the 2022 CERN openlab Summer Student Programme here. Plus, an introductory lecture series on quantum computing is available here.

CERN openlab Summer Student Programme

Each year, CERN openlab runs a nine-week programme for bachelor’s and master’s students specialising in subjects related to computer science. These students come to CERN to work on cutting-edge projects with our collaborators, gaining hands-on experience with the latest computing technologies. The students also participate in a special series of lectures by computing experts at CERN. On top of this, visits to the accelerators and experimental areas are included in the programme.

 Applications for the 2024 programme will open in November. Full details here.