PIEP was recently at CERN in Geneva, where it participated in a technical meeting on its contribution to the Einstein Telescope, specifically focusing on the development of the thermal insulation system for this next-generation scientific infrastructure.

PIEP’s contribution focuses on the development of non-flammable, sustainable, and economically competitive insulation solutions capable of meeting demanding requirements for ultra-high vacuum environments, bake-out processes, fire safety, and long-term thermal stability. This work reinforces the role of applied materials engineering in supporting major European scientific infrastructures.

PIEP would like to thank Paolo Chiggiato, Paulo Gomes, Giuseppe Bregliozzi, Pedro Costa Pinto, José António Ferreira and Carlo Scarcia (CERN) for their presence and valuable contributions, as well as Pedro Arezes, Rector of the University of Minho, Nuno Castro, Vice-Rector of the University of Minho, and Ana Peixoto, from ANI.

In parallel, PIEP also had the opportunity to take part in the celebrations marking 40 years of Portugal’s accession to CERN, which were attended by the Minister for Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, and the Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão. The Portuguese delegation was welcomed by Mark Thomson, Director-General of CERN, his team of Directors, and Portuguese researchers and technicians working at the laboratory.