Only Transparency and Accountability Can Save CERN: Stop Billions in Waste, Unlock Life-Saving Innovations

Key Takeaways:

• The Crosetto Foundation is urging a freeze on CERN’s Phase 2 upgrades.
• Claims assert that over €12 billion of taxpayer money could be wasted in the next decade.
• Documentation was sent to 720 Members of the European Parliament outlining these concerns.
• The CERN Council approved the upgrade plans on June 20.
• A previous email from the Foundation was opened by 56.2% of MEPs.

A Call to Halt CERN’s Costly Upgrades

An Urgent Appeal from the Crosetto Foundation

The Crosetto Foundation for the Reduction of Cancer Deaths, an accredited nonprofit organization, has issued an urgent appeal to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and national parliaments to freeze funding for the European Organization for Nuclear Research’s (CERN) Phase 2 upgrades of the ATLAS and CMS experiments.

Concerns Over €12 Billion in Taxpayer Money

The Foundation claims that CERN’s planned upgrades will “squander over €12 billion of taxpayer money in the next decade.” On June 30, they sent detailed documentation to 720 MEPs outlining their concerns. The substantial sum, they argue, could be better allocated to pressing humanitarian needs.

CERN’s Approval Amidst Controversy

Despite these concerns, on June 20, the CERN Council approved the Phase 2 upgrade plans. The upgrades aim to enhance the capabilities of the Large Hadron Collider’s (LHC) ATLAS and CMS experiments, which are central to particle physics research.

Engaging European Lawmakers

The Crosetto Foundation’s outreach has garnered attention within the European Parliament. A previous email sent on June 23 was opened by 56.2% of MEPs, indicating significant interest among lawmakers. The Foundation hopes that by raising awareness, they can prompt a reevaluation of the project’s funding.

Potential for Redirecting Funds

The appeal emphasizes the opportunity cost of investing in the upgrades. The Foundation suggests that the €12 billion could be redirected toward life-saving innovations, particularly in the field of cancer research and treatment. They argue that such an investment would have a more immediate and tangible impact on global health.

The Road Ahead

As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how European legislators will respond. The tension between funding large-scale scientific endeavors and addressing immediate societal needs poses a challenging dilemma. The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for how public funds are allocated to science and health initiatives in the future.