Updated on 7 March 2019

Following Professor Strumia’s presentation at the workshop on High-Energy Theory and Gender held at CERN from 26 to 28 September 2018, CERN and the University of Pisa both launched internal investigations and, more recently, had constructive discussions about the future of the ERC grant held by Professor Strumia.

As Professor Strumia’s employer, the University of Pisa considered the recommendation of its ethics committee and decided to issue a public sanction against Professor Strumia, on 18 January 2019.

At CERN, the incident was investigated in the light of the internal Rules and Regulations and the Organization’s Code of Conduct, which is based on CERN’s core values. As a result of its own investigation and following the decision taken by the University of Pisa, CERN decided not to extend Professor Strumia’s status of Guest Professor.

In parallel, in an effort to ensure the continuity of the ERC grant, and in particular several young scientists’ employment contracts, CERN and the University of Pisa have worked closely together to find a solution. The ERC has been made aware of the intention to transfer the ERC grant from CERN to the University of Pisa in order for the scientific research of Professor Strumia and his collaborators to continue there. This will be done in accordance with the relevant provisions on the portability of ERC grants.

CERN and the University of Pisa reaffirm their commitment to respect and diversity in the workplace, which they consider to be of paramount importance.

Updated on 1 October 2018

From 26 to 28 September, CERN hosted the first workshop on High Energy Theory and Gender focusing on recent developments in theoretical high-energy physics and cosmology, and discussed issues of gender and equal opportunities in the field.

It is unfortunate that one of the 38 sessions, by a scientist from one of the collaborating universities, risks overshadowing the important message and achievements of the event.

CERN, like many members of the community, considers that the presentation, with its attacks on individuals, was unacceptable in any professional context and was contrary to the CERN Code of Conduct. It, therefore, decided to remove the slides from the online repository.

On Monday, 1 October, CERN suspended the scientist from any activity at CERN with immediate effect, pending investigation into last week’s event.

CERN is a culturally diverse organisation bringing together people of many different nationalities. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and all have the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation. Indeed, diversity is one of the core values underpinning our Code of Conduct and the Organization is fully committed to promoting diversity and equality at all levels.

CERN always strives to carry out its scientific mission in a peaceful and inclusive environment.

CERN considers the presentation delivered by an invited scientist during a workshop on High Energy Theory and Gender as highly offensive. It has therefore decided to remove the slides from the online repository, in line with a Code of Conduct that does not tolerate personal attacks and insults.

The organisers from CERN and several collaborating universities were not aware of the content of the talk prior to the workshop. CERN supports the many members of the community that have expressed their indignation for the unacceptable statements contained in the presentation.



CERN is a culturally diverse organisation bringing together people of many different nationalities. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and all have the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

Diversity is a strong reality at CERN, and is also one of the core values underpinning our Code of Conduct. The Organisation is fully committed to promoting diversity and equality at all levels.

CERN always strives to carry out its scientific mission in a peaceful and inclusive environment.