Scientists are planning to build the world’s biggest machine at a site beneath the Swiss-French border, with plans costing over £23bn. The Future Circular Collider (FCC) would accelerate subatomic particles to near light speeds, potentially revealing clues about the universe’s makeup.
However, the project is contentious due to concerns that it could divert funding from other promising research areas for decades. Some scientists argue that senior officials at Cern are imposing their will on researchers without proper consultation.
Leading physicists express concerns that the mega-collider would monopolize funds and dictate future research directions, potentially stifling innovation. Researchers suggest alternative technologies, such as linear accelerators or plasma wave technology, could be more efficient and cost-effective.
Cern’s director general, Fabiola Gianotti, claims the FCC offers a unique chance to explore space, time, and matter. The organization supports the plan, but many scientists remain skeptical about its feasibility and the potential consequences for future research.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/the-physics-community-has-never-split-like-this-row-erupts-over-plans-for-new-large-hadron-collider