Over summer, 60 young people from non-Member States were supported through the CERN & Society Foundation to attend the CERN Summer Student Programme. We recently caught up with Ayoub to hear about his experience!
How did you find out about CERN and the
Summer Student Programme? What series of events led you to apply?
I’ve known about CERN from a very young age, because I was interested in science and particularly physics – something not very mainstream back home, especially for someone from a family with no scientific background.
I didn’t know about the summer student programme until I was at university studying engineering. I found out that I could apply to a CERN programme – an amazing opportunity for someone coming from a developing country where science or scientific research isn’t a popular career nor of public interest. The opportunity was also fully funded, which really relieved the financial burden on my family, so applying was a no-brainer for me. I applied last year without success and then I reapplied this year and I got accepted!
What was your reaction when you found out you had been accepted into the Summer Student Programme?
It was a normal day. Coming back home, didn’t expect anything interesting to come up. Looking through my phone, I saw I got an acceptance email from CERN. I was in shock. I didn’t expect it, forgot about it even. After double checking everything was real … no words can describe how I felt. My first experience abroad would be at CERN!
What part of the programme was most valuable for your learning?
At CERN, I really enjoyed the lectures – I saw the state of modern physics and the engineering behind everything, coming from the experts of the field. It also showed me what I can contribute to scientific research with my own field of studies.
My summer project was not typically technical; I worked in science education, which was also another interest of mine! Doing this at CERN, discovering the different public offerings and how CERN communicates science to the public, really inspired me. I even did my own workshop for the public, experiencing first-hand how to be a science communicator and inspire others – something I wish I had experienced in my own childhood. CERN is an inspiring place with its facilities and people. Having talked with different kinds of people coming from different nationalities, I really learned a lot from everyone!
What will you remember the most about CERN?
The vibe. It’s hard to define but the place feels unique. I will remember everything – from the daily lectures in the auditorium, the departments where people work, the library, the daily shuttle, the other summer students, my team, the office … the list goes on.
How do you think this experience will help you achieve your future goals?
Having an experience in an international organization like CERN boosts my profile because it’s such a unique experience. But what I think really helped me is how this experience changed my perspective. I learned about the potential stuff I can achieve with my background or do later, and the different career possibilities – lots of things I didn’t even imagine before.
Why do you think it is worthwhile to support this programme?
Supporting a programme like this has an impact very rare to achieve. It is a great way to support a sense of scientific spirit that brings humanity together; it’s creating a new generation of citizens believing in international collaboration. The students of today will create a positive impact for their own nations tomorrow, and for humanity in general.
Lastly, can you describe your experience in one word?
Life-changing (if you can consider this one word!).
If you are interested in supporting a student like Ayoub, consider donating through the CERN & Society Foundation.