High Energy Physics

Collider Physics

We participate in collider-based particle physics experiments with a focus on the “big” questions of particle physics. Our main involvement is with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, near Geneva, Switzerland. We have had significant contributions to two out of three of its decay modes that led to the Higgs discovery publication, as well as to the further studies of its properties.

Cosmic Rays

Our group works on many aspects on ultra high energy cosmic ray physics, with the main goal of using information on the first interactions in the atmosphere to test the standard model of particle physics in an otherwise unreachable energy regime. Two current projects are the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection (GRAND).

Gravity

Our group pursues gravity research on the smallest to the largest scales, and can be roughly divided into Quantum Gravity (QG) and Strong Gravity (SG) activities. Research in Quantum Gravity addresses some of the big, open questions of fundamental physics: How can we unify quantum theory and general relativity to obtain a theory of quantum gravity? Strong Gravity covers a broad range of topics, from theoretical calculations in General Relativity and numerical simulations of binary black hole mergers, to the analysis of observational data from gravitational wave detectors.

Particle Physics Theory

The Particle Physics Theory group focusses on the smallest constituents of our world and their interactions. Some of the big questions that are on our mind are; What are Nature's fundamental constituents? What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy? Is our universe stable at all?

Publications