A Roadmap for Non-Collider Physics at CERN

by Markus Brugger (CERN)

Wednesday 17 Jun 2026, 14:00 → 15:30 Europe/Zurich

503/1-001 - Council Chamber (CERN)

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 between facilities, experiments and communities, strengthen the connection between collider and non-collider activities, and provide a transparent framework for the evaluation and integration of future initiatives. In doing so, it will outline the process towards a vision for maintaining a vibrant and scientifically diverse research programme that complements and reinforces CERN’s flagship activities over the coming decades.

Short Bio:

Markus Brugger is a physicist and senior staff member at CERN with more than 25 years of experience in particle physics, accelerators, radiation effects, engineering, and experimental area support. After starting his career with the CMS experiment and later contributing to radiation protection, FLUKA simulation studies, LHC machine protection, and the Radiation to Electronics (R2E) programme, he led the development of several CERN-wide initiatives, including the CHARM irradiation facility, and major reliability and infrastructure projects supporting LHC operations. Between 2016 and 2020, he served as Deputy Head of CERN’s Engineering Department while heading the Experimental Areas Group from 2016 to 2025. Today, he is leading CERN’s Non-Collider Physics Roadmap Initiative, tasked with developing a long-term strategic framework for CERN’s diverse scientific non-collider physics programme beyond the LHC flagship experiments, covering fixed-target facilities, neutrino and forward-physics initiatives, antimatter, neutron and isotope facilities, and future experimental opportunities.