Pas Perdus Hall of the Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Geneva, 30 April 1999. On Monday 3 May 1999 at 5 p.m. Ambassador Vassily Sidorov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, together with the Director General of the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN1) Prof. Luciano Maiani, and the Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR2) in Dubna, Russia, Prof. Vladimir Kadyshevsky will inaugurate the exhibition "Science Bringing Nations Together" in the Pas Perdus Hall of the Palais des Nations, Geneva.
CERN and JINR founded in 1954 and 1956 respectively, have broken many frontiers in physics but have also created a model for international collaboration and understanding. From the 60s onwards collaboration between these two laboratories has allowed scientists to achieve their shared scientific ambitions. Working together towards a common goal has produced lasting links and friendships.
The study of fundamental physics demands stable conditions and peaceful relations. It thrives on pooling resources and freely exchanging information. The continuous interchange of researchers and technologists between JINR and CERN, resulted in personal relationships which enriched the lives of all concerned and kept this view of the world alive. All involved shared their experiences with neighbours, civil servants, and ministries in their home countries. Such scientific collaboration was a precious communication channel throughout the period of the Cold War. Its impact on the political change of recent years was profound.
The exhibition has been prepared jointly by the Russian Mission in Geneva, CERN and JINR. It traces the contribution of individuals and groups from all over the world towards common scientific goals, independent of political differences, highlighting how this has led to mutual understanding and friendship, not only between scientists, but also between nations.
1. CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, has its headquarters in Geneva. At present, its Member States are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Israel, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Turkey, the European Commission and Unesco have observer status.
2. JINR, the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is located in Dubna, Russia. Member States are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Kazakhstan, D.P. Republic of Korea, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Germany and Hungary have observer status.