In 2007, a Qatari delegation headed by a professor at the Qatar University (QU) visited CERN, and expressed interest in collaborating with CERN. QU has expertise in positron techniques to characterize materials, and common interest was established with the ISOLDE group. This has led to a joint experimental proposal to CERN that has recently been approved. QU has also stated its intention to establish a group working in one of the LHC collaborations. Qatar, via the Texas A&M University in Qatar, is participating in the CMS experiment, and in particular in its upgrade activities.

Discussions are taking place at the level of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development on a medium- and long- term participation in the CERN scientific programme and on possible financial support to the CERN Summer Student and High-School Teacher programmes.

CERN and Qatar signed an International Cooperation Agreement (ICA) in 2016.