By obtaining the status of an associate member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Serbia went back to where it belongs, Swiss Ambassador to Serbia Erwin Helmut Hofer stated Thursday.

The ambassador said that the organization offers a possibility for students, scientists and researchers to join the world's best institutions.

Serbia has great scientific potential, smart and educated people to whom many doors and dimensions of high-level science will be open now, the diplomat told Tanjug during a break in a seminar dedicated to the possibilities of participation of Serbian researchers in CERN.

CERN Head of Recruitment James Purvis told Tanjug that Serbia's accession to CERN is a historic moment which opens numerous possibilities for best scientists and researchers in Serbia.

Ratification of the agreement with CERN has opened many doors to students, scientists and researchers not only in physics, but also in engineering and other disciplines. They will benefit from trainings and education in CERN, and return to Serbia with all the skills they acquired there, Purvis said.

Serbian Minister of Science and Education Zarko Obradovic confirmed that the ratification of the agreement and the status of an associate member of CERN are of great importance for Serbia.

"We have demonstrated that we have scientists who can be part of CERN - the world's largest laboratory," Obradovic said and added that the gain from the organization is substantial.

On January 10, the then president of Serbia Boris Tadic and Director General of CERN Rolf Dieter Heuer signed in Geneva an agreement declaring Serbia a CERN Associate Member State.

The decision on granting Serbia the associate membership was delivered on December 16, 2011, this being an important step towards the full membership in the organization, which should be secured in the next five years.