Today, the National Academies concluded their decadal study of particle physics – EPP2010 – with the release of the multidisciplinary committee’s report. The EPP2010 report is several things. It is a strong cautionary bullhorn to the United States, telling us that ceding leadership in fundamental particle physics will pose more economic and social risk than pursuing a leading role in the field. It is a roadmap for U.S. particle physics, outlining the priorities that the field should set to meet the greatest scientific challenges, and providing strategies for meeting those goals. It is also another (hard fought) nod of the head, this time not just from physicists, but also from biology and industry, for the importance of the Large Hadron Collider and the International Linear Collider.
The panel, chaired by Harold Shapiro (president of Princeton University and a professor of economics), presented its findings at a press conference in Washington D.C. at 2:30 Eastern time. The presentation was brief, fielding questions from the assembled press and guests. However, it touched on the important themes of American competativeness, fundamental science and basic research, and the connection between the “national life” of the U.S. and science. It also used the Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) experience as a means to explain the lessons learned, and the practices already in place to insure broad international and industrial partnerships.
This is the first good news I’ve had in weeks. Supporting the LHC, while banging the drum for the importance of the ILC, particle astrophysics, and neutrino physics, are at least a positive sign in an otherwise pervasive sea of negatives from this past month.
