About Us 

The Site and Civil Engineering (SCE) Department manages and develops CERN’s real estate assets and infrastructure in line with CERN’s scientific strategy. It is also responsible for the operation, upkeep and development of the CERN site, including the Science Gateway.

The SCE Department supports the CERN community by providing essential services that ensure a safe, efficient and welcoming campus environment.

Mandate

The SCE Department delivers infrastructure and services that enable CERN’s scientific and operational activities. This includes the management of buildings, technical infrastructure and campus services.

How the department works is as important as what it delivers. Its approach is guided by the following principles:

  • Manage and deliver services with transparency, accountability and measurable performance
  • Plan and transform with a long-term vision, aligned with CERN’s scientific programme and sustainability objectives
  • Cooperate across CERN departments, experiments and external partners, including Host States
  • Protect the CERN site through a balance of preservation, modernisation and environmental responsibility
  • Ensure safety and reliability by maintaining high standards for working conditions and operations
  • Continuously improve through innovation, data-driven decisions and feedback

Organisation 

View the SCE Organisational Chart

The Departmental Operation and Development (DHO) Group leads strategic and transversal activities across the SCE Department.

The SCE-DHO Group covers the following areas:

  • SCE Department safety
  • SCE Administration
  • SCE Planning
  • SCE Training
  • CERN’s Security Service
  • CERN Space Management

The Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Group is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of civil engineering and infrastructure projects that support the Organization’s scientific and operational activities.

The SCE‑PPM Group manages a diverse and evolving portfolio of projects, including underground structures, experimental facilities, office and laboratory buildings, and utility infrastructure.

The group’s mandate covers the full project lifecycle, from strategic definition, feasibility and design, through procurement and execution, to commissioning. It ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards of quality, safety and sustainability.

Working closely with internal clients and external partners, the group provides multidisciplinary coordination, transparent delivery and the application of international best practices. It applies robust project management methods and contract strategies based on FIDIC standards, and promotes sustainable design principles, including certifications such as BREEAM, WELL and Minergie.

With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and long-term value, the SCE‑PPM Group plays a key role in shaping the built environment that enables CERN’s scientific excellence.

Structure

The Site Asset Management (SAM) Group is responsible for the operational lifecycle of buildings and associated infrastructure across the CERN site. It addresses ageing assets and ensures their long-term performance.

The SCE-SAM Group enhances asset value through long-term consolidation strategies, the resolution of non-conformities, and the implementation of corrective, preventive and proactive maintenance plans. It also improves the energy efficiency of facilities and delivers works through established framework contracts.

Structure

The Science Gateway (SG) Campus Operations group ensures the delivery of high-quality operational and technical support for CERN’s outreach facilities and activities, providing a smooth and engaging visitor experience.

The SCE-SG group manages CERN’s public offer, including guided tours, exhibitions and workshops. It also oversees the reception and daily operations of the Science Gateway, the Globe of Science and Innovation, and other visitor locations across the campus.

Structure

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The Services and Supply Chain (SSC) Group delivers high-quality campus services and optimal supply chain execution that support CERN’s scientific, operational, and community activities.

The SCE-SSC Group manages a broad and evolving portfolio of services, including housing, catering, mobility, cleaning and recovery services, as well as goods transport, mail distribution, internal logistics, CERN stores, and long-term storage.

Through reliable, sustainable and user-focused services, the Group supports the smooth functioning of daily life at CERN, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, collaboration and continuous improvement.

The Technical Office and Development (TOD) Group provides expertise in civil engineering design, structural engineering, geomatics and patrimony. It also manages technical relationships with Host States.

The SCE-TOD Group coordinates infrastructure requests, including cost estimation for civil engineering and tertiary infrastructure.

The group leads site development activities through the CERN Master Plan, ensuring that sustainability requirements are duly integrated. It is also responsible for assessing and designing civil-engineering studies for future accelerator projects, and for overseeing Tunnel Asset Monitoring across existing tunnels.

Its role is to ensure coherence, technical accuracy and long-term strategic alignment across all projects and site-wide developments.

Structure

Departmental Roles and Staff Directory