NBA History of Science Seminar: Ivã Gurgel

Ivã Gurgel (University of São Paulo, Brazil), “Niels Bohr's Contributions to the Early Years of CERN”

Niels Bohr is among the most renowned physicists in history. His decisive role in the early development of quantum physics is widely recognized, particularly through his model of the quantum atom and his efforts to conceptually establish quantum mechanics. Far less attention, however, has been given to his later work—especially his contributions to nuclear physics and, more specifically, to the creation and early activities of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

The objective of this presentation is to highlight Bohr's role in the establishment of CERN. We will discuss his involvement in the debates leading to its creation, including the proposal to locate the laboratory in Copenhagen. Although the final decision placed the large accelerator in Geneva, Bohr played a crucial part in shaping the laboratory’s objectives. Moreover, Copenhagen hosted CERN’s Theoretical Physics group for its first five years (1952–1957). Bohr also worked to secure international collaboration by persuading major laboratories worldwide to support the new project.

Finally, we argue that CERN’s prevailing vision—conceiving the organization primarily as a space for international cooperation—can be traced directly to Bohr’s influence.

Ivã Gurgel
Ivã Gurgel, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Ivã Gurgel is a professor at the Physics Institute of the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Physics in 2004 and a M.Sc. in Physics Teaching in 2006, he in 2010 earned a PhD in Science Education from USP. He completed his doctoral internship at SPHERE in Paris, and most recently spent a sabbatical at the Niels Bohr Archive. An expert on the history of physics in the 19th and 20th centuries, he specializes in the history of high-energy physics and the history of science in Brazil. At USP, he coordinates the Theory and History of Contemporary Science Group as well as the Historical Collection of the Physics Institute.