Description:

The Standard Model of Particle Physics is a very successful theory that  explains a large diversity of physical  phenomena, that range from  what holds  atoms and nuclei together, to the accurate prediction of the  transformation (decay) of heavy particles into lighter ones. Particles in the Standard Model acquire mass through the Higgs mechanism and the recent discovery of the Higgs and the study of its properties confirm in great detail this physical picture.  This  amazing theory, however, leaves many open questions, ranging from Dark Matter to the unobserved CP violation in strong interactions. The most puzzling  feature is that the Standard Model has the elements to  address most of them,  but the natural quantitative predictions within the Standard Model seem to differ from  what is observed in nature.  I will discuss some of these questions, thereby describing the  properties of this beautiful but complex  theory. I will also briefly present the paths we have taken to solve these mysteries by going beyond the Standard Model description. 

Speaker: Carlos E.M. Wagner, Professor of Physics, University of Chicago

Host: Ian Low