CERN Spring Campus 2025: Record-breaking participation and global collaboration – See the photo gallery 

The annual CERN Spring Campus event was held for the first time in Finland last week, hosted by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK). This international event, focusing on computer science and modern technology, attracted a record number of participants.  

The five-day intensive program was aimed at ICT students and included theoretical lectures and hands-on practical exercises.
The five-day intensive program was aimed at ICT students and included theoretical lectures and hands-on practical exercises.

Finnish students had a unique opportunity to engage directly with CERN’s cutting-edge research and technologies. The five-day intensive program was aimed at ICT students and included theoretical lectures and hands-on practical exercises.  

– It was an incredible opportunity to bring CERN’s expertise to Finland and to inspire our students through hands-on experience and direct interaction with world-class professionals. Organising this event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience not only for the students, but also for me personally. It was truly lovely to see how warmly the CERN experts engaged with both our students and staff, says Lecturer Sara Kfouri Koskinen, who was mainly responsible for organising the event. 

Topics covered innovations in computer science, the latest technologies, and their applications in industrial and research contexts. A hackathon was also organised, challenging students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

“Energy during the hackathon was fantastic”

Lectures were delivered by engineers and experts from CERN, who shared insights into the infrastructure supporting global scientific collaboration in research projects. Participants also had the chance to network with CERN professionals and fellow students from various countries. 

– The lectures were not only technically fascinating but also incredibly relevant to the real-world ICT field, Kfouri Koskinen sums up.

– Students were highly motivated and enthusiastic throughout the week, and the energy during the hackathon was fantastic. The week ended on a high note with a joyful closing party, where everyone celebrated new knowledge, new friendships, and future possibilities. 

The event highlighted SAMK’s collaboration with CERN and the global scientific community, strengthening connections and opening doors to future research and cooperation opportunities. With its record-breaking participation, the event was a significant milestone in fostering international academic and professional exchange. 

Photo gallery: Elsa Penttilä / Satakunnan Biolaakso

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