Theoretical particle physics and cosmology in Helsinki Aleksi Vuorinen MAT-PAP meeting Helsinki, 13.6.2017

Theoretical particle physics and cosmology in Helsinki Aleksi Vuorinen High energy physics: looking into the smallest and largest in Nature High energy theory in Helsinki: presentation by research area A few research highlights Some facts and figures Final thoughts MAT-PAP meeting Helsinki, 13.6.2017

Persistent question: what are the fundamental degrees of freedom in Nature?

Persistent question: what are the fundamental degrees of freedom in Nature? Particle theorists’ task: Develop models to describe and understand experimental data Obtain quantitative control over (i.e. solve) the accepted “fundamental” theories Constantly think of consistent ways of completing these theories by pushing their region of validity to higher energies

Persistent question: what are the fundamental degrees of freedom in Nature? Particle theorists’ task: Develop models to describe and understand experimental data Obtain quantitative control over (i.e. solve) the accepted “fundamental” theories Constantly think of consistent ways of completing these theories by pushing their region of validity to higher energies Close interplay with fundamental questions of cosmology: early (and current) universe a particle physics lab!

Strong interaction physics: quantitatively solve the most complicated part of the Standard Model (B)SM phenomenology: experimental connections, build models for particle physics beyond the SM Mathematical physics: gain theoretical understanding of the structure of QFTs and their extensions Particle cosmology: study implications of particle physics theories for cosmic evolution

HEP in Helsinki

HEP in Helsinki: (B)SM phenomenology Researchers: Katri Huitu Oleg Lebedev Kimmo Tuominen Christian Gross Matti Heikinheimo Venus Keus Aurora Meroni … Topics: Higgs physics SM vacuum stability Supersymmetric theories Composite Higgs models Dark matter Neutrino physics Connections to inflation …

HEP in Helsinki: strong interaction physics Researchers: Paul Hoyer Keijo Kajantie Kari Rummukainen Aleksi Vuorinen Tyler Gorda Tobias Rindlisbacher … Topics: Lattice gauge theory Perturbative QCD Holography Deconfined QCD matter Heavy ion collisions Neutron stars Bound states in QCD …

HEP in Helsinki: mathematical physics Researchers: Masud Chaichian Esko Keski-Vakkuri Anca Tureanu Niko Jokela Ville Keränen Markku Oksanen … Topics: String theory AdS/CFT duality Non-commutative gauge field theories Quantum entanglement Strongly coupled matter …

HEP in Helsinki: particle cosmology Researchers: Kari Enqvist Mark Hindmarsh Syksy Räsänen Francesco Montanari David Weir … Topics: Inflationary physics Gravitational wave traces of cosmol. phase trans. Accelerated expansion without dark energy Electroweak baryogenesis …

Some examples and highlights

Some examples and highlights

1. 7. 2017-: ERC Consolidator Grant (A. V 1.7.2017-: ERC Consolidator Grant (A.V.) for building the most accurate equation of state for neutron star matter IV. CV and research profile 12 asdasd

Some examples and highlights E. Keski-Vakkuri et al.: “Thermalization of Strongly Coupled Field Theories”, “Inhomogenous thermalization in…”, PRL 106 (2011), 111 (2013) First accurate holographic descriptions of the equilibration process in strongly coupled quantum field theories, implying fast thermalization.

Some examples and highlights M. Hindmarsh, S. Huber, K. Rummukainen, D. Weir: “Gravitational waves from the sound of a first order phase transition”, PRL 112 (2014) First realistic simulation of the generation of gravitational waves in bubble collisions during a first order phase transition in the early universe.

High energy theory facts and figures:

High energy theory facts and figures: personnel 4 full professors (Enqvist, Huitu, Lebedev, Rummu-kainen) 1 shared full professor with Univ. of Sussex (Hindmarsh) 3 permanent university lecturers and researchers (Keski-Vakkuri, Räsänen, Tuominen) 2 Academy Research Fellows (Tureanu, A.V.) and 2 non-permanent university researchers (Jokela, Keränen) 9 postdoctoral researchers 21 PhD students + Hopefully 1 new tenure-track associate professor soon

High energy theory facts and figures: 2010-2016 statistics

High energy theory facts and figures: career paths of PhD graduates Unofficial survey (by Keijo Kajantie) of 33 theory PhDs from Helsinki, graduated between 2007-2014: 3 permanent faculty in academia / research centers (Keskitalo, Kurkela, Nurmi) 9 still in academia, but with fixed term contracts 21 working outside of academia, typically in IT or other high tech industry Prime example: two string theory graduates moved to (then) small mobile game company Supercell ~2011 – current annual revenue >2G€

Final thoughts High energy theory is an old but rapidly evolving field, in constant dialogue with experimental particle physics and observational cosmology. In Helsinki, we have a broad and very active community, with clear focal points in our research. Our work has strong methodological links to other areas of physics, including in particular all fields utilizing massive Monte-Carlo simulations.

Thank you!