The ICHEP 2024 conference, the premier event in particle and astroparticle physics, is set to take place from18 to 24 July at the Prague Congress Centre. This highly anticipated conference will gather over 1300 scientists from around the globe to discuss the latest findings and advancements in the field.
The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including results from accelerator experiments, measurements of neutrino properties, and the search for new hypothetical particles and dark matter. Discussions will also dive into theoretical physics and the potential inconsistencies with the Standard Model, the prevailing theory of the microworld. New insights from precise measurements of known particles could significantly advance our understanding of the universe. These findings may help explain the observed disparity between matter and antimatter in the universe and address other fundamental questions in particle physics and cosmology.
Prof. Zdeněk Doležal of Charles University, the national organizer of the 42nd International Conference on High Energy Physics, highlighted the significance of the event: “Czech particle physicists are involved in cutting-edge fundamental research in international laboratories all over the world. Hosting a conference with a worldwide reputation is both a challenge and an opportunity for the Czech physics community to promote the Czech Republic and to establish new contacts and collaborations.”
The presence of leading experts in the field also provides a unique opportunity to introduce particle physics to the Czech public and foster greater interest and understanding of this critical area of science.
Key Highlights of ICHEP 2024
Panel on the future of particle physics
The conference will feature discussions by the directors and representatives of the world's leading laboratories on the future of particle physics, particularly focusing on new accelerators. Among the most prominent guests are Fabiola Gianotti (CERN), Lia Merminga (Fermilab, USA), Yifang Wang (IHEP, China), Shoji Asai (KEK, Japan) and Dmitri Denisov (BNL, USA). These experts will share their insights on the developments and ambitions in accelerator physics. Representatives of the Czech political and scientific communities will also participate and discuss the importance of basic research for the public.
Lecture by CERN Director General Fabiola Gianotti
At the Colours of Ostrava festival, thousands of attendees will have the chance to meet Fabiola Gianotti, particle physicist and Director General of CERN, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this September. Gianotti will deliver a lecture, and the festival will feature additional popular science presentations and experimental shows on the Big Bang Stage.
Particles and Arnošt Lustig Exhibition
Opening on 17 July at the Prague Congress Centre, this exhibition will be accessible to both the public and conference participants. It places contemporary cutting-edge science in a broad ethical and artistic context, encouraging reflection beyond the realm of physics. The I Want to Be Human section will send a "calling card" of humanism into the universe through concise literary texts and innovative architectural designs by the art collective Rés(O)nances. The Be Inspired section will showcase art created by secondary and primary school students as part of the BeInspired@ICHEP2024 project.
CERN: A Crucial Partner for Czech Particle Physicists
CERN, the closest and most important international laboratory for Czech particle physicists, is a key collaborator. The Czech Republic is a member state of CERN, with the Ministry of Education and Science serving as the main financial source and guarantor of this cooperation. Coordination efforts between physicists and ministry representatives are managed by the Committee for Cooperation of the Czech Republic with CERN.
Particle Physics Offers Numerous Benefits to Czech Companies
Physical discoveries often drive the development of the new technologies, detectors and next-generation accelerators essential for the scientific infrastructures of the future. The synergy between science and industry is crucial for these advancements. Technologies developed at CERN have found applications in fields as diverse as telecommunications, finance, quantum computing and smart grids. These topics will also be discussed during the expert sessions at the conference.
CERN Venture and Czech Startups
Made possible by CERN Venture, Czech startups will play a significant role in creating applications for both the present and the future. In March, CzechInvest signed an agreement with CERN to support startups in using selected CERN technologies. Through the CzechInvest Technology Incubation Programme, startups can receive financial support of up to CZK 5 million, along with mentoring and other services.
Industry Collaboration
CzechTrade, through its Industry Liaison Officer, informs Czech companies about opportunities to participate in contracts related to CERN research and laboratory operations. This year, the agency highlighted 90 CERN tenders for high-voltage converters, nanosecond lasers, new building construction, and protective clothing for firefighters. Currently, 118 Czech companies are listed in CERN's supplier database, with 55 having received orders or contracts from CERN in the past.
About ICHEP 2024
The International Conference on High Energy Physics (ICHEP) is a series of conferences organized by the Commission of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Held biennially for over 70 years, ICHEP is the reference conference for particle physics, presenting the most important results in the field. It brings together physicists from around the world to share the latest advances in particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and accelerator science, and to discuss plans for major future facilities.
The organisation of ICHEP 2024 at the national level involves key institutions in particle research, including Charles University, Czech Technical University in Prague, the Institute of Physics of the CAS, the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the CAS, Palacký University in Olomouc, the Technical University of Liberec, and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The organizing committee is chaired by Prof. Zdeněk Doležal and Prof. Tomáš Davídek from the Institute of Particle and Nuclear Physics of Charles University.