EuroPLEx · European network for Particle physics, Lattice field theory and Extreme computing

European network for Particle physics, Lattice field theory and Extreme computing

EuroPLEx (European network for Particle physics, Lattice field theory and Extreme computing) was an EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Innovative Training Network (ITN) that completed its lifetime on 30/09/2023. Nine European universities, together with 14 Partner Organisations (7 academic and 7 industrial), have trained 15 ESRs (Early Stage Researchers). Equipped with the tools that a fertile scientific environment can provide, the ESRs have been made able to face new challenges in Particle Physics. The Standard Model of Particle Physics is a spectacular example of how successful science can be in describing nature. Within a well-established formalism (that of quantum field theory), a general picture of fundamental interactions and matter has been developed and confirmed by a large number of experiments investigating a wide range of phenomena occurring at very different energy scales. However, further discoveries are expected: both phenomenological evidence and theoretical arguments point to the existence of new physics beyond the Standard Model, which EuroPLEx aimed to probe in a twofold approach. Firstly, we provided theoretical computations for precision tests of the Standard Model. Secondly, we have investigated Beyond the Standard Model candidate theories (addressing e.g. the fascinating puzzle of dark matter). Finally, we have been striving to probe the so far elusive problem of matter in extreme conditions (such as those existing shortly after the big bang or within compact stars). In all we described so far, a prominent role in EuroPLEx research has been played by the so-called lattice regularisation: discretisation of space-time enables us to investigate particle physics also with very advanced numerical approaches, requiring the most powerful computers available. Besides projects motivated by phenomenology, we have also explored subjects at the interface with advanced areas of theoretical physics. In this respect the lattice approach has amazing capabilities as a theoretical laboratory. EuroPLEx ESRs dealt with projects in which theoretical physics meets algorithmic studies and computer science. Research and training capabilities were strengthened by partners from industry (computer and data science companies): our fellows were trained in an environment with solid experience in hardware and software innovation and big data (all ubiquitous in any kind of consulting, modelling and most fields of the IT industry). The ESRs have now the prospect of a brilliant career: nine were hired as PostDoc researchers by major Universities and Research Institutions, while the others started a successful career outside academia. Most importantly, the expertise they acquired is invaluable for the progress of society as a whole. Last but not least: among our industrial partners we also had experts in scientific journalism: EuroPLEx ESRs were also trained in a wide range of soft skills, with a strong emphasis on the capability to communicate science.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union