UNILHC · UNIFICATION IN THE LHC ERA

The main research theme of the proposed network is the theoretical interpretation of results coming from the LHC and other experimental and observational sources. The aim is to identify the physics Beyond the Standard Model of strong, weak and electromagnetic forces and ultimately to provide a fully unified description of the fundamental states of matter and their interactions. We will investigate the nature of electroweak symmetry breaking, the origin of masses and their hierarchies and the quantization of the gravitational interaction. The methodology is based on three main ingredients: symmetry, including supersymmetry and symmetries related to flavor, string unification and new space dimensions. The research objectives are: (a) probing the origin of mass at the LHC; (b) search for supersymmetry; (c) the physics of flavor in the LHC era; (d) exploring extra dimensions; (e) cosmological and astrophysical challenges for physics beyond the Standard Model; (f) string theory, string phenomenology and Quantum Gravity. The network will enhance the current collaboration amongst the participating European institutions, which already plays a leading role across the whole spectrum of the physics involved, from theoretical aspects of string theory to the phenomenological analysis of experimental data, and it will stimulate interdisciplinary interactions. The main network goal is to offer excellent initial training to young researchers. We plan to appoint 456 person-months of early-stage and 108 months of experienced researchers, and develop a training program both at the individual and network-wide level. The network is structured to develop the research and complementary skills of the young researchers, to ensure their mobility and to widen their career prospects. In this way, we intend to increase the pool of European researchers at the highest level of scientific excellence, and to make a significant contribution to the development of European fundamental research.