The world famous CERN laboratory came to Galway on Sunday with the opening of the ‘Accelerating Science’ exhibition in Leisureland, Salthill this weekend.

‘Accelerating Science’, is a partnership between Galway Science and Technology Forum and Boston Scientific and was officially opened on Sunday, 16 September by Dr Rolf Landua, Head of Education and Public Outreach at CERN.

CERN, which is based in the Swiss city of Geneva, is famous for its Large Hadron Collider, which this summer proved the existence of the Higgs Boson particle, sometimes referred to as the ‘God particle’.

Speakers at the official opening included Tom Hyland, Chairman of Galway Science and Technology Forum, Dr Rolf Landua, Head of Education and Public Outreach at CERN, Alan Murphy, HR Director of Boston Scientific Galway, Professor Tom Sherry, Dean of Science at NUI Galway, Noel Treacey, Founder of Galway Science and Technology Forum and Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Terry O’Flaherty.

‘Accelerating Science’ is suitable primarily for students aged between 11 and 18 years and anyone who is curious about the history of the universe. The exhibition is available exclusively for secondary school tours from Monday to Friday and is open to the public at weekends and during the mid-term break.

The exhibition consists of five modules: The Big Bang, Particles Matter, Mysteries of the Universe, Exploring Matter and A World of Fundamental Research.

The exhibition will run until Friday, 2 November. Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Mr Tom Hyland, Chairman of Galway Science and Technology Forum said the arrival of the exhibition in Galway was a very exciting event.

“It provides easy access for all Secondary School students to one of the most exciting scientific exhibitions available in the world. And we very much appreciate the sponsorship of this event by Boston Scientific,” said Mr Hyland.

Teachers and members of the public are encouraged to pre-book their place on www.eventelephant.com/galwayscience.