In 2019, the University of Bahrain has become an Associated Institute in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the European Nuclear Research Center (CERN), adding to the University’s path of scientific excellence. This international collaboration is an important step for the Kingdom of Bahrain to achieve further global cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

One of the University’s main goals is to contribute to global production of knowledge and technology development. Through the induction projects at the Colleges of Engineering, Information Technology and Science, the University has started to take part in CMS experiments conducted on accelerators.

The University of Bahrain has formed a team from the College of Information Technology and a second team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering to work on collaborated projects that aims to participate in generating knowledge and develop technology. Following discussions between CERN/CMS, and UoB, an agreement was reached in order to execute what will be the CMS induction projects for UoB. The general characteristics of the conducted collaborated projects are described below:

  1. Computing project: In the framework of the agreed project, one UoB MSc student was deployed to CERN to work on the use of GPU based computing systems for CMS data reconstruction. During the one-year placement, student Abdulla Ebrahim Subah, participated in the studies to assess the potential of the GPU technology for use in High Energy Physics data analysis. The project started on May 15th 2019 and completed successfully in May 2020.
  2. Mechanical Engineering project: In the framework of the agreed project, one UoB BSc student was deployed on a new equipment for the maintenance of the CMS detector. The project objective was to design and build a 16-ton automated jig to handle work platforms allowing personnel to access the most inner parts of the CMS detector. This object is one of a kind and requires innovative solutions combining skills in mechanical engineering and robotics. A team of experts has been assembled at CERN and integrated the UoB student upon arrival. During the one-year placement, student Abdelsalam Saad Suleman, participated in the studies leading to the development of the new device and its work platforms. The project started on May 15th 2019 and is still ongoing to account for the delays generated by the COVID crisis.

The output of both induction projects has demonstrated the technical skills of the UoB stakeholders and the organizational robustness of the administrative processes in use at the University, which was appreciated by the CMS Engineering and Technology Interface team.

The CMS induction projects was financially supported by Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research.