On May 16, 2025, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti and Chile’s Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Aisén Etcheverry, signed the agreement admitting Chile as an Associate Member State of CERN. The ceremony took place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Minister Etcheverry described the agreement as “a historic moment for Chilean science and technology.” She noted that the process began in 2007 when President Michelle Bachelet signed a cooperation agreement between CERN and CONICYT. President Boric’s 2023 visit to CERN prompted the formal membership application. CERN Director-General Gianotti said Chile has “strong traditions in experimental and theoretical physics and engineering,” according to the CERN press release.
Membership was to enter into force following Chile’s ratification of the agreement and its accession to the Protocol on CERN’s Privileges and Immunities. Chilean scientists already participate in CERN experiments through the SAPHIR Millennium Institute and CCTVal.