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‘WORKING WITH BIG SCIENCE INVOLVES A LOT MORE THAN JUST MONEY’ Every year, the Netherlands contributes more than a hundred million euros to the European Big Science Organizations (BSOs). As Industrial Liaison Officer at CERN and coordinator of the ILO-net, Jan Visser connects the Dutch precision industry to tenders stemming from the Big Science institutes. For Visser, connecting the high-tech industry with the scientific world is the most enjoyable part of his job. “Basically, I am a kind of broker,” he says. No wonder that since 2012, the Big Science organizations have been working closely with the Precision Fair. They have a prominent role in the lecture program where they share the latest developments within their projects with the industry. The research that BSOs are doing requires complex and extensive research facilities. The construction and maintenance of those facilities offer larger and smaller companies the chance to be part of fundamental and groundbreaking research. Making use of know-how In the conversations that Visser has with companies which are interested in connecting with a BSO, two things stand out to him. “If companies really want to get something out of the relationship, they also need to put something in and invest in contacts with a BSO so that they know what’s going on.” Moreover, according to Visser, it is important to keep in mind that BSOs are not merely parties that companies can sell something to. “You can also see them as technology suppliers. Those organizations have a huge amount of know-how and technology. As a company, you can learn a lot from them. Many 28 Working with a BSO: more than just about money Consequently, for companies there is more to be gained from teaming up with a BSO than just money. “When a company works for CERN, it is showing that it is playing in the Champions League. What’s more, these are often complex projects, so it’s a time for companies to learn and stretch their potential.” In addition, it can be a way for companies to keep their best people on board, Visser points out. “Assignments for a BSO are almost always challenging and exciting.” companies see CERN as difficult, expensive science and also feel that the threshold is high. It is up to ILO-net, in cooperation with Mikrocentrum, to paint a more realistic picture. Because what’s happening there is very exciting and basic building blocks are needed for that.”

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