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.

The Fund has around 3700 active members and is responsible for paying the pensions of around 3600 beneficiaries based in 48 countries worldwide.