Large particle accelerators |
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Large particle accelerators - Mr. Cédric Villani, MP (National Assembly), First Vice-Chairman - February 2019 |
Particle accelerators, like other kinds of “very large research infrastructure” (VLRI), make it possible to manage cutting-edge projects and respond to strategic issues: acquiring knowledge, enhancing scientific attractiveness, preparing for technological breakthroughs, scientific diplomacy, etc.
CERN, the European particle physics laboratory, currently operates the biggest circular particle accelerator in the world, the LHC, which achieves the highest energies produced to date.
A decision by the Japanese government is expected shortly on the linear accelerator project, the ILC, proposed since 2012 by this country’s scientific community.
Thinking on the future European strategy for particle physics began in 2018 and should be presented in spring 2020. If the Japanese government confirms its interest in ILC, this European strategy must take account of this fact: a possible contribution from Europe, and particularly France, must be assessed in terms of scientific return, cost and industrial benefits.
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