The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is a global center for cutting-edge research in particle physics and nuclear physics, hosting the world’s highest-energy particle accelerator-the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The four large detector experiments (ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb) utilize advanced detection technologies to observe and study microscopic phenomena, providing a state-of-the-art platform for the development of advanced particle detection technologies. CERN gathers over 12,000 researchers from more than 70 countries, exemplifying successful international cooperation. Since 1997, NSFC has supported Chinese researchers’ participation in major LHC experiments. In 2024, NSFC established the “NSFC-CERN Large Scientific Infrastructure International Cooperation Research Program”, managed following the NSFC Major Research Plan mechanism. This initiative, focused on physical research and detector development, funds Chinese researchers participating in international cooperative research at CERN through cultivation projects, key projects, and integration projects, promoting scientific innovation, technological development, talent cultivation, and international collaboration in particle and nuclear physics. 2025 marks the program’s second implementation year.

I. Scientific Objectives

The program supports advanced particle detection technology development and cutting-edge particle and nuclear physics research at the four large detector experiments on CERN’s LHC (ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb). Objectives include precise measurements of the Higgs boson’s properties to better understand the origin of mass, rigorous tests of the Standard Model of particle physics, the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model, investigation of the matter-antimatter asymmetry, and deeper insights into non-perturbative aspects of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), phase transitions, and new states of strongly interacting matter.

II. Core Scientific Issues

1. Precise measurement of the Standard Model and properties of the Higgs boson.

2. New physics beyond the Standard Model and mechanisms of charge-parity (CP) symmetry breaking.

3. The essence of strong interactions and internal hadron structure.

4. Properties of quark-gluon plasma under extreme conditions of high temperature, high density, and low chemical potential.

5. Advanced particle detectors and key technologies of detection and data processing.

III. Funding Plan for 2025

1. Cultivation Projects: Approximately 500,000 RMB per project (direct costs), with a funding duration of three years. The research period specified in the application should be from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028.

2. Key Projects: Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 million RMB per project (direct costs), with a funding duration of four years. The research period specified in the application should be from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029.

3. Integration Projects: Funding up to 10 million RMB per project (direct costs), with a funding duration of four years. The research period specified in the application should be from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029.

IV. Contact Information

Wu Congcong, Li Jia

Division III, Department of International Programs:

Tel: 010-62325143, 62328487

E-mail: wucc@nsfc.gov.cn, lijia@nsfc.gov.cn

NSFC Grants System technical support:

+86-10-62317474

For more detailed information, such as project settings and funding areas for 2025, and application requirements and notices, please visit https://www.nsfc.gov.cn/english/site_1/international/D6/2025/05-29/423.html.

Source: National Natural Science Foundation of China