HIGGS-BSM-EFT · Higgs and Beyond the Standard Model Effective Field Theory, systematic developments.

Higgs and Beyond the Standard ModelEffective Field Theory, systematic developments.

The focus of this work was to systematically develop the Standard Model of particle physics as an effective field theory and to use this formalism to study the famous Higgs boson and related experimental signals. By developing this general theoretical framework (i.e. an effective field theory) to include quantum mechanical corrections, deviations in Higgs properties can be systematically studied at high precision in a model independent manner. Further understanding the nature of the Higgs boson is of fundamental importance to understanding the origin of mass that makes up the particles of the Standard Model of particle physics. Using the growing Large Hadron Collider data set, Higgs properties will be determined with an order of magnitude improvement in experimental precision in the coming years. Resolving more precisely the properties of the Higgs boson experimentally is expected to offer significant evidence for the effects of new particles and interactions, involved in stabilising the Higgs mass against quantum corrections. This can expand our knowledge about the fundamental nature of reality encoded in the Standard Model of particle physics. The calculations of this project allow these properties to be interpreted in a consistent theoretical framework with such higher precision measurements. Calculations of the most important quantum corrections to Higgs production and decay processes in the general effective field theory of the Standard Model were undertaken with the resources of this grant, building upon past contributions in this area by the experienced researcher. Phenomenological analyses to refine our knowledge of the Higgs boson in this general effective field theory framework were also further developed. All of these efforts have developed further the theoretical framework that describes the most fundamental interactions while allowing the current leading model of particle physics to break down at higher energies, and in more precise measurements. Being fundamental research, the implications for society are long-term. Through training and education of young researchers we prepare them for the future roles in society. In my own research, as EU Marie Curie Fellow, I have co-supervised two PhD students on the topic of this project, and I have also co-supervised two MSc students during this time. Two of these students have moved on to valuable positions in private industry and the third has continued to PhD-studies Oxford University. This is a great example of how the pursuit of fundamental research eventually can be of great benefit to society as a whole. I would also note that three of the four students were female which helps to address the gender imbalance in theoretical particle physics. The overall objectives of this project are to establish a systematic and complete characterisation of extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics to use in studying data from the Large Hadron Collider, in particular with a view towards its Run II, which is ongoing. At the end of my two-year period I have made very substantial progress towards this overall objective.

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