IdeaSquare opens its doors
IdeaSquare
IdeaSquare (in short, Ideas) is a dedicated test facility at CERN that hosts detector R&D projects and facilitates related MSc student programs. While not fully occupied, it can also be used for special innovation-related events. Located in a technical hall (B3179) next to the Globe of Science and Innovation, it offers ad-hoc meeting space and rapid prototyping facilities for innovation-related projects.
Detector R&D projects in IdeaSquare
The detector R&D projects in IdeaSquare aim at contributing to future CERN programs and new initiatives such as high luminosity LHC, ILC and FCC, among others. Inspired by the pre-LHC R&D projects concept (so-called RD-projects) coordinated by CERN in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the purpose is to offer a shared technical platform for testing out new detector concepts which, in parallel, have potential for use also outside high energy physics. The emphasis is on developing next-generation leading detector, imaging and related computing technologies. In addition to offering physical space for detector R&D, the purpose is also to engage students and young next-generation scientists and engineers in the R&D environment of CERN1. Currently, IdeaSquare hosts detector R&D projects related to ATLAS and CMS upgrades, funded by the European Union. IdeaSquare is also used as a test bed for the ATTRACT initiative2, a wider proposal made to the European Commission for a dedicated detector R&D programme as part of Horizon 2020 framework programme.
IdeaSquare is an Experiment
IdeaSquare is an experiment itself, and it explores new ways to demonstrate the value of basic research. It aims at delivering innovation to society at a marginal cost, the activities being covered outside the CERN annual budget. Experiences and feedback have been collected since August 2013, including an early pilot phase called IdeaLab (in temporary facilities in Building 16, with generous help from PH) which was successfully completed, taken over by the next development phase in IdeaSquare. An interim report of IdeaSquare learning experiences will be submitted by the end of 2015 to the CERN management.
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