March 31, 2025
Mallory Brabrand
Cédric Cerna is Director of the International Research Laboratory in Particle Physics and Cosmology (IRL PPC) and Visiting Scholar at the Enrico Fermi Institute here at UChicago. The IRL PPC is one of two CNRS International Research Laboratories at UChicago, the other being the HumanitiesPlus IRL. Each IRL serves as a hub for joint research being conducted by researchers affiliated with the CNRS and faculty from the University of Chicago and supports ongoing short- and long-term scholar exchange between the two institutions.
Q: Could you start by talking a bit about your work with CNRS and your role as director?
A: I’m currently at UChicago as the director of the International Research Laboratory (IRL) in Particle Physics, a new structure established by CNRS last year. Although I’m the only person officially based here, the IRL is a recognized laboratory. The idea is to strengthen long-standing collaborations between CNRS researchers and our colleagues in Chicago, in the fields of particle physics and cosmology. These collaborations have been ongoing for decades, spanning multiple generations before me. We work closely with researchers at UChicago, as well as at the nearby national laboratories—Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory. This new structure provides an official framework for CNRS researchers traveling from France, giving them an administrative base and facilitating their work. My presence here allows for more direct collaboration with local teams and helps identify new research areas where partnerships are just beginning or have yet to be developed.
Q: Could you tell me about your latest research and what you are currently working on?
A: I’m a physicist specializing in neutrino physics. Neutrinos are tiny elementary particles that play a major role in probing physics beyond our current understanding. Studying them is a major field of research, with teams all over the world—some working in collaboration, others in competition. There is a well-established research network between Europe and the United States in this field, and that’s where my work takes place. Right now, I’m involved in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a large-scale neutrino observatory. DUNE represents one of the largest collaborative research efforts in my field between France and the United States, with a strong presence here in Chicago, particularly at Fermilab. Having the IRL in Chicago will serve as a hub for this collaboration, providing a formal base to support the growing number of CNRS researchers and engineers who will continue coming here in the years ahead.
Q: How important is international collaboration in your field?
A: International collaboration has been central to my work since I was a student, and it’s something that truly inspires me. In our field, the scientific questions we address require massive, complex instruments that push the limits of technology. The scale of the scientific effort is so vast that teams must collaborate across the world. Scientific progress depends on researchers coming together to exchange ideas, brainstorm, and drive discoveries forward. Science should remain a sanctuary of peace. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with teams in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve especially valued my collaborations with the U.S., and in particular, with the University of Chicago. In the world of physics, UChicago holds a truly special place—not just in the U.S., but globally. It’s one of the leading centers for particle physics and cosmology, with a rich history dating back to Enrico Fermi, one of the greatest physicists of all time. Many Nobel Prize winners have been associated with its Physics Department, making it an extraordinary environment for both students and senior researchers like myself. Being here and working alongside my colleagues is an incredible opportunity, and I’m honored to be part of this dynamic scientific community.
Originally published in the UChicago Global Digest.