CERN’s new chief on the gamble that could fix our picture of reality
Mark Thomson has taken the reins at CERN just as particle physics confronts some of its deepest unknowns – and faces hard choices about what comes next
Mark Thomson has taken the reins at CERN just as particle physics confronts some of its deepest unknowns – and faces hard choices about what comes nex
Read Full Story at New Scientist →Why This Matters
The transition at CERN arrives at a pivotal moment where the very foundations of modern physics could be reshaped—or left unresolved for decades. The decisions made under Mark Thomson’s leadership will determine whether particle physics can break free from its long-standing stagnation or double down on expensive, high-risk gambles that may ultimately yield no definitive answers. This isn’t just about Nobel prizes or cutting-edge lab work; it’s about whether humanity will finally glimpse the next layer of reality—or settle for incremental tinkering at the edges of what we already know.
Background Context
CERN’s last great success, the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, was a triumph of both scientific precision and global collaboration, but it also marked the end of an era. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has since failed to uncover new particles or phenomena that could explain dark matter, neutrino masses, or the asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Meanwhile, particle physics faces a funding crisis as governments and institutions weigh the opportunity cost of pouring billions into machines that may never deliver the breakthroughs they promise.
What Happens Next
The most immediate question is whether CERN will push for a next-generation collider—likely a 100-kilometer “Future Circular Collider” (FCC)—despite its staggering $17 billion price tag and uncertain scientific payoff. If approved, construction could begin by 2030, but the project risks diverting resources from other pressing fields like quantum computing or astrophysics. Alternatively, Thomson may pivot toward smaller, more targeted experiments or invest in theoretical frameworks that refine existing data rather than chase the next big machine.
Bigger Picture
This moment reflects a broader reckoning in Big Science: as the low-hanging fruit of fundamental physics disappears, the field must either embrace radical collaboration or accept that some mysteries may remain unsolved in our lifetime. The push for ever-larger colliders also raises ethical questions about whether the relentless pursuit of pure knowledge justifies the opportunity costs, especially as climate change and global health crises demand urgent attention and funding.
