Theoretical Physics

CERN Department

At the forefront of theoretical physics research since 1952

Join our seminars

Visit Us

1952

Researching since

+ 70

Members

+ 800

Visitors per year

+ 12

Seminars per week

OUR MISSION

At the forefront of theoretical physics research since 1952

The Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH) is a cornerstone of CERN’s scientific mission. Four overarching objectives have long guided our work:

High-energy physics

To conduct world-leading research across theoretical high-energy physics and related areas.

Scientific guidance

To contribute to CERN’s activities at every level: providing scientific guidance on the laboratory’s future plans, supporting experiments and the interpretation of their data, and contributing to education and outreach.

Primary platform

To serve as the primary platform connecting the worldwide theoretical physics community with CERN.

Next generation

To develop the next generation of leaders in theoretical particle physics through CERN’s fellowship programme.

With collider physics at the heart of CERN-TH, we contribute directly to identifying, conceptualising and exploiting experimental opportunities within CERN’s reach. This includes coordinating the activities of the LHC Physics Centre at CERN (LPCC), as well as working groups for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

OUR COMMITMENT

CERN Research

We are equally committed to ensuring that CERN’s research continues to inspire—and to be inspired by—the full breadth of fundamental theoretical physics. We therefore maintain strong research programmes in fields neighbouring collider physics, including string theory, astroparticle physics and cosmology.

Our wider scientific engagement also includes active participation in Physics Beyond Colliders, the Quantum Technology Initiative, Next Generation Triggers and the European Consortium for Astroparticle Theory.

Our role as a hub for the worldwide theoretical particle physics community is central to the department’s daily life. CERN-TH brings together around 20 staff members and more than 50 fellows and welcomes around 800 visitors each year.

This community sustains a rich programme of scientific exchange, with around a dozen seminars each week and a weekly Theory Colloquium on Wednesdays at 14:00, which all group members and visitors are expected to attend.

OUR EVENTS

TH Institutes & More

We also organise a wide range of scientific events (see Calendar below) and welcome applications from the community to organise workshops at CERN through our flagship TH Institute programme. Across all these activities, we strive to create an inclusive, diverse and intellectually vibrant working environment in which different talents and perspectives can thrive.

Coffee and tea are served for free in the Common Room (4 2-011) every day 15:00 to 16:00. Everyone welcome.