TIMEPIX@school is an educational initiative supported through the CERN & Society Foundation that will bring Timepix-based detectors, originally developed at CERN, into classrooms across CERN’s Member and Associate Member states and beyond. Following the success of a few pilot initiatives, a coordinated project will be launched for the first time in the academic year 2026–2027 and is estimated to reach 20.000 students by 2030, with particular emphasis on reaching schools in underserved and underrepresented communities.

By giving students hands-on experience with the same technology used in high energy physics, medicine, aerospace and art, TIMEPIX@school aims to bridge the gap between the physics that is taught in school and everyday life, showcasing how science contributes to real-world societal challenges. At the same time, by bringing students in touch with scientists, the project will challenge potential stereotypes that students might hold about them and show that today’s science is creative and collaborative. This is particularly important for girls, who often fail to identify with the stereotypical image of scientists presented by media.

By making science more accessible, relatable, and inclusive, the project ultimately aims to inspire a broader range of students to pursue STEM pathways, contributing to the nurthuring of a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

Timeline

TIMEPIX@school is currently in its initial setup phase. The first full programme is planned to launch in the 2026–2027 academic year, with a small number of regional “hubs” (which can be schools, universities, institutes or research centres) that are based in one of CERN’s Member or Associate Member States. The reach of the programme is expected to expand globally in subsequent academic years. Institutions wishing to participate in future calls may register to the mailing list to receive updates.

Hubs will be selected through an open Call for Proposals that will be announced in May 2026. Selected hubs will receive a loan of up to 10 Timepix-based detector kits at no cost, as well as online training on the use of the technology. You can find more information on the programme model as well as the hub role and responsibilities here.

We anticipate to create approximately 5 hubs for the first year of the programme. This network is expected to be substantially scaled up for the next academic years, based on fundraising outcomes. However, we aim to offer to non-selected hubs meaningful ways to participate, including access to shared datasets, online activities, and interactions with scientists involved in the project.

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