History Today: When the world’s largest research laboratory came into being

On September 29, 1954, a groundbreaking chapter opened in the field of particle physics with the founding of Cern, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Since then, Cern has grown into the world’s largest research laboratory, bringing together more than half of all active particle physicists. Today, it serves as a hub for collaboration, with experts from around the globe working on over 120 research projects.

On the same day, back in 1829, London saw the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Service, famously known as Scotland Yard. It introduced a new, centrally organised, and professional approach to policing, setting the standard for modern law enforcement.

If you’re a history enthusiast keen on exploring significant moments from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today, is your go-to guide to uncover key events and milestones.

Here’s a look at what happened on this day around the world.

Cern was established

On September 29, 1954, Cern, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was officially founded in Switzerland.

The organisation was set up by 12 European nations, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia, with the aim of boosting collaboration in nuclear research.

Interestingly, Cern originally took its name from the French title Conseil européen pour la recherche nucléaire. Even though its focus later shifted more towards particle physics, the short name “Cern” was retained.

Cern’s mission has always been clear: to push the boundaries of particle physics through world-class research and advanced accelerator facilities, helping scientists unlock the mysteries of the universe’s fundamental building blocks.

Also read:  Force of nature: Scientists discover ‘brand new’ type of particle at CERN

Over the decades, it has grown into the largest and most influential particle physics laboratory in the world, drawing thousands of researchers from across the globe.

One of its most iconic achievements is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27-kilometre underground ring straddling the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. The LHC has played a central role in groundbreaking discoveries, most famously the confirmation of the Higgs boson in 2012.

But Cern’s impact goes far beyond physics. It was here in the late 1980s that Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web to make information sharing easier among scientists. It went on to transform the way the entire world communicates and shares knowledge.

Scotland Yard was created

On September 29, 1829, Scotland Yard came into being as the headquarters of the newly created Metropolitan Police in London.

The force was established by then-Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel to bring order and organisation to policing in the fast-growing British capital. Its name, “Scotland Yard,” came from the location of its original office on Great Scotland Yard, a street in Westminster.

The Metropolitan Police became the world’s first modern and professional police service. At the beginning, it had 895 constables, 88 sergeants, and 20 inspectors, all tasked with keeping the peace and preventing crime in London. The work was tough and the pay was meagre as constables reportedly earned just a single pound per week, while working seven days without much rest.

By 1842, Scotland Yard introduced its first plainclothes officers to gather intelligence and catch criminals more effectively. However, the idea of these undercover “spies” did not sit well with the public at first. Over time, though, the force gained credibility, especially after setting up its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1878.

Over the years, Scotland Yard has built a reputation for its extensive records on known criminals across the UK. It also manages a special branch dedicated to protecting dignitaries, royalty, and visiting leaders, and serves as a key link between British law enforcement and Interpol.

While its jurisdiction technically covers only metropolitan London, Scotland Yard’s expertise is often called upon by police forces elsewhere in the country, particularly in solving complex or high-profile cases.

With input from agencies