The purpose of the Fund is to insure its members and beneficiaries and members of their families against the economic consequences of disability, old age and death.

As an international organisation, in 1955, CERN created its own social security system, including a pension scheme, the CERN Pension Fund. The Fund, which operates as a defined-benefit scheme, is an integral part of CERN.

In 1968, ESO’s personnel joined the Fund.

Formed in 1955, the Fund has around 4 400 members and around 3 700 beneficiaries based in more than 45 countries worldwide.