Interactions News Wire #03-09
27 January 2009 http://www.interactions.org
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Source: STFC
Content: Press Release
Date Issued: 27 January 2009
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New grant will help UK remain at cutting edge of particle physics

Bridging the gap between theory and experiment—new grant will help UK remain at cutting edge of particle physics

The work of UK physicists in the quest to unravel the secrets of the fundamental building blocks of our Universe has just (27th January 2009) received a boost with a 10 year, £16.7M grant from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to Durham University’s Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP)—a research centre dedicated to the application of theory to high energy particle physics experiments.

The IPPP is funded in partnership between STFC and Durham University and the new grant from STFC will be enhanced by increased investment by Durham.

The new funding will allow the IPPP’s physicists to continue their world-class research and seek answers to some of the big mysteries in science, such as understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter and the fundamental forces that operate between them.

Professor Nigel Glover, Director of the IPPP, said, “IPPP has already won an international reputation for its research into particle physics. The new funding from STFC, together with the new investment from Durham University, will allow us to continue this vital link between theory and experiment and ensure that UK particle physics continues to thrive and play a pivotal role in large, groundbreaking experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider. It will also help the UK prepare for and contribute to the design and planning of physics programmes at future new facilities.”

The interplay between theory and experiment is vital to new developments and breakthroughs in particle physics and the understanding of our Universe. Phenomenology is not only concerned with making theoretical predictions that can be tested by experimental facilities but also with using the experimental data gathered at these facilities to find evidence for new physics and to develop new theories. Close collaboration with experimental colleagues is a vital aspect of the work.

Projects like the LHC, which explores new energy frontiers, rely heavily on this marriage of theory and experiment as they are likely to produce completely new and unexpected results that will need interpreting. With this continued collaboration we are edging ever closer to revealing some of the Universe’s greatest secrets such as the mysteries surrounding antimatter and dark matter, the possibility of extra space-time dimensions and the existence of the Higgs boson—an undetected particle theorized to give other particles mass.

Professor Keith Mason, Chief Executive of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, said, “Funding the IPPP is a key element of STFC’s continued support of fundamental physics and we welcome the large investment in staff and buildings by the University. Since its creation, the IPPP has been a tremendous success and has revitalised phenomenology in the UK.”

Notes for editors

• The Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP) was established in October 2000 as a joint venture of the University of Durham and the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). It is part of the Centre for Particle Theory in Durham, based jointly in the Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, with a number of academic staff having joint appointments in the two Departments. The IPPP provides a forum for interaction between UK experimentalists and theorists, coordinating common interests and future research through a series of discussion meetings, workshops and conferences. An extensive visitor programme brings world-class researchers to the IPPP for periods ranging from a few days to several months. The IPPP also provides training for the next generation of UK particle physicists through guidance in research, and dedicated graduate lecture programmes and summer schools. The activities of the IPPP are overseen by a steering committee with both internal and external members.

• Durham University’s increased investment will provide an extension to the Ogden Centre that houses the IPPP, massively upgraded computer facilities, new permanent academic appointments, additional PDRA positions and further funding for workshops, visitors and travel to support the wider UK phenomenology community.

Images

Images are available from the STFC press office

Contacts

Julia Short
STFC Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)1793 442 012
Email: julia.short@stfc.ac.uk

Leighton Kitson
Media Relations Officer
Durham University
Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 6074
Email: Leighton.Kitson@durham.ac.uk

Professor Nigel Glover
Institute of Particle Physics and Phenomenology
Tel: +44 191 334 3602
E-mail: E.W.N.Glover@durham.ac.uk

Links

Institute of Particle Physics and Phenomenology
http://www.ippp.dur.ac.uk/

Science and Technology Facilities Council

The Science and Technology Facilities Council ensures the UK retains its leading place on the world stage by delivering world-class science; accessing and hosting international facilities; developing innovative technologies; and increasing the socio-economic impact of its research through effective knowledge exchange.

The Council has a broad science portfolio including Astronomy, Particle Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Space Science, Synchrotron Radiation, Neutron Sources and High Power Lasers. In addition the Council manages and operates three internationally renowned laboratories:

• The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire
• The Daresbury Laboratory, Cheshire
• The UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh

The Council gives researchers access to world-class facilities and funds the UK membership of international bodies such as the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), the Institute Laue Langevin (ILL), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the European organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It also funds UK telescopes overseas on La Palma, Hawaii, Australia and in Chile, and the MERLIN/VLBI National Facility, which includes the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

The Council distributes public money from the Government to support scientific research. Between 2008 and 2009 we will invest approximately £787 million.