Discover the Mysteries of the Universe and the Brain

At 7.30 p.m. on 31 October 2024, join us at the Science Gateway for an immersive evening that will take you on a journey from cosmology and particle physics to neurosciences

To celebrate Dark Matter Day 2024, CERN is inviting you to take part in a special event that will shine a light on the latest advances in research in this fascinating field, as well as drawing parallels with recent discoveries about the mechanisms of our own “internal universe”, the brain.

The most important things are invisible to the naked eye... Did you know that only 5% of the Universe is accessible to us, the other 95% of it being mysteriously dark and, dare we say... invisible? Discover evidence of the existence of dark matter in the Universe, such as the rotation of galaxies and the existence of gravitational lenses. Dive into the world of particle physics alongside three young CERN researchers, who will present the three main, complementary methods of researching dark matter: direct, indirect and through collisions, whether from space, in underground laboratories or using particle accelerators. Through three fun and interactive pitches inspired by experiments involving CERN, MADMAX, ATLAS and AMS, they will all, each in their own way, defend their method for exploring this mysterious dark matter. The public will have the chance to vote for the most convincing pitch – who will win?

Even more amazing is that you will discover how the examination of neurons in our brain resembles the quest for dark matter particles and that there are similarities between these two mysterious worlds. The study of the infinitely small could therefore help to further our understanding of the immensity of the Universe.

Join us for an evening that promises to stretch the limits of your knowledge and feed your curiosity!

The event is free. Register here

Language: French (with simultaneous interpreting into English).