The CERN has created the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the first time in its history, in response to the explosion of data, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and digital sovereignty issues. Enrica Porcari, the first CIO of CERN, discusses the IT priorities for the horizon 2030, governance in a global scientific environment, and the balance between innovation, stability, and security.
Enrica Porcari, CIO of CERN. (Source: DR) Enrica Porcari, CIO of CERN. (Source: DR)
The coherence of digital systems at CERN has become a scientific necessity. They are facing a data explosion, with over an exabyte of data collected during the Run 3 phase. With the High Luminosity LHC from 2030 onwards, this volume will increase tenfold. The technological landscape is evolving rapidly, including the rise of AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity challenges, and the commitment to open science. The role of the CIO is to align digital investments with scientific priorities. Digital infrastructure has become essential to scientific operations.
The CIO’s role involves balancing technological innovation, system stability, and risk management. The CIO acts as a coordinator across various departments at CERN, promoting innovation within a framework of stability and risk management. Clear governance, shared infrastructure, and common standards are key in this process.
CERN’s IT governance faces unique challenges due to its decentralized nature and international collaboration. The organization allows innovation while ensuring coordination and collaboration among diverse teams. The IT strategy must align with CERN’s overall goals and adapt to emerging technological challenges.
The IT department at CERN consists of over 500 people with diverse skills. They are responsible for critical infrastructure, including data centers and computing grids. The CIO’s role is to create cohesion and coherence among these units to avoid silos and ensure overall consistency.
Important decisions have been made regarding architectures and infrastructures at CERN to meet long-term needs. Hybrid infrastructures combining internal and external resources provide flexibility and protection for data sovereignty and technological independence.
Strategic choices at CERN involve buying, building, or partnering for services, ensuring durability, trust, and high security standards. The organization supports internal capabilities essential to its mission while outsourcing certain generic services.
Cybersecurity and data protection are paramount for CERN, with a focus on protecting privacy and complying with legal frameworks. The organization balances scientific freedom with security measures to ensure research is supported without compromising safety.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning at CERN has a long history and focuses on extracting knowledge from large data volumes. The emphasis is on the value added to scientific research, reliability, and durability.
Governance and access are the main challenges for IT at CERN to support scientific innovation. The organization prioritizes open environments, transparent governance, and inclusive networks to address geopolitical risks and ensure innovation remains accessible to all.
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