CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, uses the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – the fundamental particles. CERN was founded in 1954 as one of Europe's first joint ventures, bringing specialists from 12 Member States together to pursue a common dream. Established on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, it has become a prime example of successful international collaboration. Now CERN has 23 Member States, and other nations from around the globe contribute to and participate in its research.