PPE Overview

The joint objective of the Particle Physics groups in Experiment (PPE) and Theory (PPT) is to carry out world-class research and postgraduate research training in particle physics and underpinning detector technology and Grid developments.  The PPE group is currently working on:

• Data-taking at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (ATLAS and LHCb)
• Developments for future accelerator projects (LHC upgrades, FP420 project, Neutrinos, ILC)
• High energy collider physics at Fermilab (CDF) and DESY (ZEUS)
• Semiconductor detector technology for Particle Physics and other applications
• Computer Grid developments for LHC (GridPP, ScotGrid)
• (with PPT) Phenomenology in the standard model and beyond
• (with PPT) Lattice QCD for flavour physics

The PPE group is determined to be one of the small number of groups which are recognised as being the best in international particle physics research.

Support

The PPE group is supported by major grants from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Both PPE and PPT groups and the department gain strength through the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA). We are signatories to the bid recently submitted to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) for the successor SUPA-2 proposal to cover the period up to 2012/13.

The University has expanded our Laboratory and computing space and provided equipment worth more than £1 million in recent years.  Research spend (latest figures) is around £1.5 million per year.  The current grant portfolio is over £9 million.

The PPE group has invested in the future through excellent facilities for the development of new detectors and fabrication methods, including our own 300mm wafer probe station (first in the UK), that enhance our ability to develop leading-edge detector technologies. We make extensive use of the University’s James Watt Nanofabrication Centre. Through our expertise in Grid, we have led the establishment of the Scottish Grid Service (ScotGrid) and the UK Grid for Particle Physics (GridPP) as part of international developments.

International Context

The PPE group is at the forefront of international programmes to uncover the fundamental particles and interactions that drive physics at the smallest distance scales.  The PPE & PPT groups have had impact on collider physics, detector and Grid development and are well placed for LHC exploitation, having strengthened experiment-theory partnership during a period of renewal (7 new academic appointments) and growth (group size has increased from 46 to 68 researchers) in the last five years.

Our research successes enable all staff members to head significant projects in internationally competitive environments. Current major involvements are led by:

• Tony Doyle (Group Leader and STFC Senior Research Fellow)
• Craig Buttar (ATLAS)
• Rick St Denis (CDF)
• Val O’Shea (Detector Development)
• Dave Britton (GridPP Project Leader)
• Lars Eklund (LHCb)
• Paul Soler (Neutrino Factory)
• Peter Bussey (ZEUS)
• Aidan Robson (Future Linear Collider)

Fellowships

This work is further enhanced by attracting Research and Advanced Fellows: 

• Samir Ferrag, SUPA Advanced Fellow (ATLAS physics)
• Keith Mathieson, RSE Research Fellow (Retinal Imaging)
• Alison Bates, STFC Postdoctoral Research Fellow (LHCb)
• Arthur Moraes, STFC Advanced Research Fellow (ATLAS)
• Debbie Gunning, Research Fellow, EPSRC Overseas Life Science Interface Fellowship