TH Institutes

The TH Institutes are focused scientific programmes that bring together researchers working on timely topics in theoretical particle physics and related fields. They provide an environment for collaboration, discussion, and the development of new ideas through seminars, workshops, and informal interactions.

Hosted by the CERN Theory Department, each institute typically runs over an extended period and gathers participants from a broad range of institutions worldwide. The programmes are designed to encourage exchanges between experts, early-career researchers, and visitors, fostering new collaborations and strengthening connections across the community.

Objectives

TH Institutes aim to:

Promote collaboration on forefront research topics.
Facilitate intensive scientific exchanges between visitors and CERN theorists.
Provide opportunities for young researchers to engage with leading experts.
Support the development of new research directions and interdisciplinary activities.

Activities

A typical TH Institute may include:

Regular scientific seminars
Topical workshops and mini-conferences
Discussion sessions and working groups
Informal scientific meetings and networking opportunities

Most activities are organized in a hybrid format whenever possible, allowing both in-person and remote participation.Most activities are organized in a hybrid format whenever possible, allowing both in-person and remote participation.

Current and Upcoming Institutes

Information about ongoing and future institutes, including schedules, participant information, and registration details, can be found on the dedicated programme session list below.

Duration

Institutes usually last between one and a few weeks, although other durations can be considered, especially if in conjunction with other conferences or meetings taking place at CERN.

Practical Aspects and Financial Support

The Institutes are hosted by the CERN Theory Department, which provides full logistical and administrative support, so that no fees have to be paid by participants. CERN-TH offers seminar rooms, rooms for informal discussions and, depending on availability, office space for the participants. Moreover, CERN-TH can offer a subsistence allowance to a selected number of participants (but does not cover travel expenses). Convenient lodging for the participants is usually arranged in the CERN hostel, or nearby hotels. Our secretaries can help with the hostel reservation.

Scientific panel and application deadlines

The selection of proposed programs is made by TH, in some cases together also with external advisors. Some of the key organizers may be supported as Paid Scientific Associates (with a salary rather than the per diem usually given to visitors). Accordingly it is beneficial for applications to be timed with the CERN-wide deadlines for the Paid Scientific Associates, usually in March and September.

Applications and proposing a TH Institute

Members of the scientific community interested in organizing a future TH Institute are encouraged to contact the CERN Theory Department. Proposals should outline the scientific motivation, expected impact, proposed duration, and anticipated participant community. All applications should have the support of a current TH Staff member, and this should ideally be worked out before the application is sent.

Applications to hold an Institute in TH should be sent to th.institute@cern.ch . If the application is complete, we will check if the requested dates are feasible (members of CERN TH can check the current schedule of planned events HERE). Once dates are decided, the proposal will be discussed and decided on in an upcoming Staff meeting. It is the responsibility of the organizers to have a TH Staff member present the proposal. If the proposal passes, the organizers will be contacted with information regarding the remaining organizational steps.

The application should include:

Name, subject of the proposal.
Proposed dates.
Approximately 2 page summary of the scientific case and timeliness, and proposed duration.
Main organizers, including the local staff. It should be guaranteed that at least one of the main organizers will always be present for the length of the programme (in addition to the CERN staff member). In order to promote gender equality it is strongly recommended that the organizing committee has at least one female member.
Key participants. The success of such a programme, especially in conjunction with our Visitors program, depends on the participation of a number of key people. If they are not present for the full duration, they should be interspersed during the program.
Requested budget (to be used to cover participants, coffee breaks, and other Institute-related expenses).
Information about whether there will be a workshop as part of the programme.
Other planned activities, and if possible, also concurrent activities within CERN that could lead to constructive interaction.