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The High Energy Physics (HEP) program's mission is to understand energy and matter at a fundamental level by investigating the elementary particles and the forces between them. This program is the major sponsor of high energy physics research in the US, providing 90% of the Federal support. Until the Large Hadron Collider in Europe is completed in 2007, the US will be the primary center of international activity for experimental research in the field of high energy physics. There is the potential for exciting new discoveries, and the program is positioning itself to take advantage of these opportunities.
The research plan focuses on the following areas:
- Unification of particles and forces
- Dark energy, dark matter, the history and ultimate fate of the universe
- New enabling technologies to accelerate and detect fundamental particles
The Office of Science’s program in high energy physics substantially increases our fundamental understanding of matter and energy. In addition, unique HEP research facilities and a strong research program in high energy physics help the U.S. maintain a leading role in the field, educate young people in science, and transfer to industry the technologies developed for research.
High Energy Physics Program Highlights
Dark Energy- the Mystery that Dominates the Universe
