By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant achievement for Costa Rica’s academic community, Sebastián Meléndez, a mechanical engineering student from the University of Costa Rica (UCR), has secured a highly coveted internship at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s most prominent particle physics laboratory.
Meléndez was selected to participate in the prestigious CERN Summer Student Programme, an intensive two-month experience that will run from June to August 2026. This opportunity places him at the forefront of global scientific discovery, working alongside world-class experts at the sprawling research complex located on the border between France and Switzerland.
To understand the legal and professional implications of such a prestigious international opportunity, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Participating in a program at CERN is not just an academic achievement; it’s a significant contractual event. Interns must meticulously review the terms of their agreements, particularly clauses concerning intellectual property, confidentiality, and the governing Swiss jurisdiction. Beyond the legal framework, this experience represents an invaluable asset, creating a highly specialized professional whose skills can later attract significant foreign investment and drive innovation within Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and strategic dimensions highlighted are often overlooked amid the excitement of such a prestigious scientific opportunity. This comprehensive viewpoint underscores the internship’s role not just as a personal achievement, but as a long-term investment in national talent that can fuel future innovation. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective.
This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through a competitive scholarship awarded by the National Academy of Sciences of Costa Rica. Specifically, Meléndez is the recipient of the NIC Costa Rica–CERN 2026 scholarship, a grant managed by the Academy’s Specialized Unit (NIC). This national support underscores a growing commitment to fostering top-tier talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and connecting them with unparalleled international opportunities.
During his time at CERN, Meléndez, who is currently completing his licentiate degree in Mechanical Engineering, will be fully integrated into a high-level research team. He is slated to contribute to a specific, ongoing project within one of the experimental groups, offering him direct, hands-on experience in a multifaceted environment that merges cutting-edge physics, advanced engineering challenges, and complex computational science.
The program is designed to be a deeply immersive educational experience that extends far beyond daily laboratory work. The curriculum includes a rigorous series of lectures delivered by leading international specialists in various fields of particle physics and technology. Furthermore, Meléndez will participate in workshops, engage in academic discussions, and benefit from guided tours of CERN’s state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, control rooms, and other restricted areas that are central to its groundbreaking research.
The selection of Meléndez marks a historic milestone for both the student and his university. He is the first-ever Mechanical Engineering student from the University of Costa Rica to be awarded this specific scholarship and internship. This distinction highlights the expanding scope of opportunities for Costa Rican students beyond the traditional physics disciplines often associated with the research center.
While a pioneer for his specific field of study, Meléndez follows in the footsteps of other exceptional UCR scholars. He becomes the ninth student in the university’s history to gain access to an internship program at CERN, joining a select group of alumni who previously represented Costa Rica. In past years, students from programs such as Physics and Electrical Engineering have also successfully participated, establishing a legacy of academic excellence on the world stage.
This achievement not only represents a significant personal and professional victory for Sebastián Meléndez but also serves as a powerful testament to the caliber of education at the University of Costa Rica. His journey to one of the most advanced scientific centers on the planet reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a source of bright, capable talent ready to contribute to global innovation and discovery.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the Republic of Costa Rica. Founded in 1940, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines and is recognized as a leading research institution in Central America. The university is committed to academic excellence, social action, and the promotion of arts and culture.
For further information, visit home.cern
About European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN):
CERN is the world’s leading laboratory for particle physics. Located near Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border, its mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe. It operates the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, bringing together scientists from around the globe to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
For further information, visit anc.cr
About National Academy of Sciences of Costa Rica:
The National Academy of Sciences of Costa Rica is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of science and technology in the country. It brings together prominent national scientists and works to advise the government and society on scientific matters, foster scientific education, and support the development of young researchers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of counsel to a wide array of clients while consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable civil society.
