A trio of University of Malta students recently had the opportunity to join the CERN Summer Student Programme 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland – an experience that placed them at the heart of one of the world’s most renowned scientific institutions.
The participants were Isaac Scicluna, an M.Sc Medical Physics student, Keith Farrugia, a B.Sc Computer Science student, and Julian Pullicino, a B.Sc Mechanical Engineering student.
CERN – the European Organisation for Nuclear Research – operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, famously home to the Large Hadron Collider. Its mission is to investigate the fundamental particles that make up everything, in pursuit of understanding the underlying structure of the universe.
The summer programme provides selected students with the chance to immerse themselves in the daily work of international research teams, participate in cutting-edge experiments, and attend lectures delivered by leading physicists. Participants also take part in workshops, guided visits to CERN’s accelerators, and present their own work through posters and reports.
For Isaac Scicluna, the experience was both professionally and personally transformative. “My time at CERN has been an incredibly enriching experience,” he tells WhosWho.mt. “Working on a software and hardware development project allowed me to engage directly with cutting-edge technology in a highly collaborative environment.”
He explained that being part of a team tackling ambitious projects gave him insight into how complex systems are designed, tested, and optimised. What stood out most, however, was the international culture of teamwork. “What struck me most was the spirit of collaboration at CERN. I had the chance to work alongside people from many different countries and disciplines, and I learned how powerful diverse perspectives can be when tackling ambitious projects,” he reflects.
Beyond technical know-how, the programme helped Mr Scicluna hone skills that will be vital for his career. He noted that he developed “practical skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and technical communication – skills that go far beyond the technical aspects of my project.”
Looking ahead, he intends to continue his studies in Medical Physics with the goal of becoming a medical physicist. “My ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a medical physicist, where I can apply my knowledge to healthcare and contribute directly to improving patient outcomes,” he shares.
He added that the technical foundation gained at CERN – especially in hardware and software integration, troubleshooting, and system development – will be invaluable in his chosen path.
“CERN has taught me that science and technology are not just about advancing knowledge, but also about bringing people together, sharing ideas, and pushing ourselves to create solutions with real-world impact,” he concludes.
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