In the big experiments, Atlas and CMS, we have something like 3,000 scientists each, and over 60 nationalities.
The search for knowledge is a long and difficult task.
From a scientific point of view, our mission is to seek answers to the fundamental questions about the universe. Many are open - we don't know about dark matter, which accounts for a quarter of the universe's matter, nor do we know why there's antimatter.
With the discovery of the Higgs boson, one of the questions has been ticked off the list, but there are many others. We hope that we can find answers or hints for answers to at least some of them. But of course, this is in the hands of nature.
We had to understand things like why the top quark was so heavy and the electron is so light. The Higgs is a big, important step.
My efforts are focused on ensuring that CERN maintains a leading role in the fields of science, technology and education, and that it continues to be a place that unites scientists from around the world.
Among the questions we have in mind: dark matter, antimatter, and matter symmetry.
The training of younger generations is very close to my heart.
