The Foundation was born with the goal of expanding and spreading CERN's scientific curiosity to the wider public. 

Several projects became part of the Foundation's portfolio. Under the Education pillar, the Beamline for Schools competition, the ATLAS PhD Grant Scheme and the CERN-UNESCO Schools for Digital Libraries (2014-2018). Under the Culture and Creativity pillar, the Arts at CERN programme. 

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More than 4000 students from all around the world participated in this edition of the Beamline for Schools competition, thus demonstrating the enormous success of the project. In 2015, the non-Member States summer students programme entered the Foundation’s portfolio, becoming one of its key educational projects.

More than 40 Greek teachers, as part of the National Teacher programmes, took part in tailored lectures and workshops that were designed to help them spread scientific curiosity to their students back in Greece. The Foundation proudly contributed to the first Greek programme , thus setting the stage for the continuation of the project with the Italian and Portuguese-speaking programmes.

The idea of a new iconic centre for education and outreach emerged, and the Science Gateway project started to unfold and take shape. The Foundation established solid partnerships with private donors to support the construction of this unique educational and outreach facility.

The CERN & Society Foundation joined forces with the Foundation for the Globe of Science and Innovation, and existing projects under the two Foundations were merged. In 2018, the first edition of the CERN Entrepreneurship Student programme (CESP) was organised with the participation of ten students from all over the world.

Two key milestones were reached: the capital campaign for the Science Gateway, with more than two thirds of the fundraising target raised; and the contribution to the CERN Open Days, with more than 75 000 people visiting the CERN sites.

In six years, more than 20 students were awarded grants under the ATLAS PhD Grant Scheme.

Saw two highlights: the launch of the SPARKS! Serendipity Forum to debate the future of artificial intelligence, and the 10th anniversary of the Arts at CERN programme, the pioneering project that fosters dialogue between the arts and science, with the launch of a new call for the “Collide” artistic residency.

The Foundation supported the second edition of the SPARKS! Serendipity Forum, providing a superb opportunity to bridge the topics of innovation, medical technologies and fundamental science.

Was the occasion to celebrate numerous milestones: the CERN Science Gateway inauguration, the strengthening of CSF partnerships to a new level, and increased support for its visibility and outreach thanks to its donors and four ambassadors: Dame Anne Richards, Professor Rolf-Dieter Heuer, Professor Peter Jenni and Whurley®.

Marks the 10th anniversary of the Foundation and the launch of the CERN non-Member State PhD Studentship Scheme, a unique and exciting programme for young, high-calibre PhD students from non-Member States, under the Foundation’s educational portfolio.