A Roadmap for Non-Collider Physics at CERN

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Abstract:

CERN's scientific programme extends far beyond its flagship collider facilities. Through a unique ecosystem of fixed-target experiments, antimatter and isotope facilities, neutron and neutrino programmes, forward-physics initiatives, and technology-driven research platforms, CERN supports a broad and diverse scientific community addressing fundamental questions in particle, nuclear and astroparticle physics. As the Laboratory prepares for the High-Luminosity LHC era and engages in future flagship projects, it has launched an initiative to develop a long-term Non-Collider Physics Roadmap (2027–2046) to establish a coherent strategic framework for this diverse programme and its future evolution.

This lecture inaugurates a new academic training series dedicated to the scientific, technical and strategic dimensions of Non-Collider Physics at CERN. The series aims to provide a common knowledge base for the roadmap exercise by bringing together experts from across CERN and the wider international community to review the current landscape, future opportunities, and associated technological developments. As an introductory lecture, it will present the motivation, scope and objectives of the roadmap initiative, discuss CERN's unique position within the global non-collider physics landscape, and provide a first glimpse of the broad spectrum of scientific activities spanning fixed-target physics, neutrinos, antimatter, rare isotopes, neutron facilities, forward physics, and emerging exploratory programmes.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the challenges of long-term planning in a rapidly evolving scientific environment, where new opportunities are enabled by CERN's rich and versatile infrastructure: balancing scientific ambition, technical feasibility, operational constraints and resource considerations while preserving CERN's openness to new ideas and future opportunities. The lecture will further discuss how the roadmap seeks to maximise complementarity…