We will host three programs in 2012, one on "Beyond the Standard Model Physics", one on "Theoretical methods for non-linear comsology" and one on "String Phenomenology". For details see the link on the left.
A new study of the potential risks caused by exotic particles or states of matter to be possibly produced by the LHC has recently been completed. After reviewing recent theoretical and experimental developments since earlier studies, the LHC Safety Assessment Group (LSAG), composed of J. Ellis, G. Giudice, M. Mangano, I. Tkachev and U. Wiedemann, re-iterated in the conclusions of its report (and addendum) that 'there is no basis for any concerns about the consequences of new particles or forms of matter that could possibly be produced by the LHC'. The report relies for its black hole part on a study by S. Giddings and M. Mangano, to appear in Phys Rev D (for a presentation of this work, see this talk). The LSAG report was examined and approved by the CERN Scientific Policy Committee. A presentation of this report can be found here, and a video of the talk here.
It seems to have become common practice for certain visitors to just show up without an official affiliation with CERN TH, and demand and obtain office space. In view of the very high demand these days this is not acceptable. Only visitors whose request has properly passed the relevant selection committee will be granted a desk.(*) This applies also to Ph.D. students joining their supervisors. Self-invited visitors are otherwise free to use desks in the library and public PC's.
(*) In urgent cases of short notice an endorsement of a staff member is sufficient. However, an office cannot be guaranteed if the request is made less than a month ahead of time.
We have decided to restructure our Visitors program and give it more focus. We announce here the creation of a "CERN Theory Institute" where specific programs can take place. During the last decade we have seen a proliferation of similar institutes, which attract some of the leading researchers in High Energy Physics and related areas. With the advent of the LHC we feel it our responsibility to provide a similar setting where our resources can be shared with the High Energy Physics community. Our aim is to provide a useful and convenient arena in our field, where researchers can interact fruitfully between themselves, with other members of the group and, if applicable, with those involved in concurrent experimental activities. The submission of proposals for workshops is completely open, and if a proposal is accepted, it will be financed essentially by CERN TH. A more detailed presentation and practical matters about the Institute are spelled out here. The rules provided there are preliminary, and we expect them to evolve eventually into a steady state.
