AI set to transform particle physics

Advanced AI is set to transform fundamental physics, with the potential to uncover groundbreaking discoveries about the universe, according to Prof Mark Thomson, the future director general of CERN. Thomson believes AI is unlocking new possibilities in particle physics, akin to the recent Nobel-winning advances in protein structure prediction by Google DeepMind. At CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), AI is already playing a key role in detecting rare events that could help explain how particles gained mass after the Big Bang, and even whether the universe might be on the verge of catastrophic collapse.

Thomson pointed to AI’s power in analysing complex data, allowing scientists to investigate phenomena such as the elusive Higgs boson. With upcoming upgrades to the LHC in the 2030s, AI will help researchers make unprecedented measurements, such as observing Higgs boson self-coupling. This could provide crucial insights into the nature of mass and the Higgs field, revealing whether the universe is in a stable state or on the brink of dramatic change. AI’s integration into the LHC’s operations, including data collection and analysis, has already led to significant improvements, enabling scientists to handle much more data than initially expected.

Despite challenges in identifying dark matter, AI is also enabling scientists to approach the problem in new ways, asking open-ended questions about the data rather than looking for specific signatures. This shift in strategy is helping physicists search for unexpected phenomena that could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the universe’s fundamental forces. As AI continues to enhance the LHC’s capabilities, scientists are optimistic that transformative discoveries await, potentially reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.