For the first time, STFC partnered with CERN and CERN & Society in 2017 in order to enable the participation of 20 students from developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, the Middle East and Asia to CERN's Non-Member State Summer Student Programme. Funding for the students came via the UK Global Challenges Research Fund, a £1.5 billion fund announced by the UK Government to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries.This grant contributes to the scientific training of promising students globally, who receive valuable research experience, build collaborative networks and share knowledge across boundaries.

Formed in 2007, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation with the mission to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

The Non-Member State Summer Student Programme is a CERN & Society project supported by external voluntary funding.  In summer 2017, 145 summer students from 63 countries around the globe were trained at CERN resulting in an overall participation of more than 1,200 students since the Programme officially started in 2003. Our ambition is to help strengthen the scientific capacity and knowledge capital of their countries, contributing to international scientific and cultural diplomacy.

To learn more about CERN & Society activities and how you can be involved, visit the dedicated page.