Particle physics

CMS Higgs Candidate Event

Particle Physics is all about understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter and how they interact with each other. To do this, modern particle physicists build large experiments where the results of high-energy collisions between particles are studied.

Now is a very exciting time in particle physics. The Bristol Particle Physics group is involved in two experiments based at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN: CMS and LHCb. These experiments allow us to probe nature at the most fundamental level we can reach.

We are also involved in a variety of non-LHC activities, research and development projects for future experiments, and the application of particle physics tecnhology to other fields.

The Bristol Particle Physics group:

one of the oldest in the UK

currently has around 50 members including 8 full time academic staff

leads several high-profile physics analyses at CMS and LHCb

conducts ground-breaking research on new techniques for high-speed data acquistiion and processing

collaborates with medical, security and other industrial partners

actively engages in outreach to educate school children and inform the general public