Investigating fundamental questions about the nature of the universe
Dr Cristiano Sebastiani is a Research Associate in the Department of Physics. In this interview Cristiano reveals how his work on the ATLAS experiment at CERN could provide crucial insights into the nature of dark matter.
What does your research focus on?
My research explores New Physics with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), at CERN in Switzerland. ATLAS investigates fundamental questions about the nature of the universe by colliding particles at extremely high energies. In particular, I look for deviations from the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the current best description of fundamental particles and their interactions.
These deviations could indicate the presence of new particles or forces that have not been previously observed. My expertise lies in hidden, "dark” sectors, hypothetical extensions of the Standard Model that include particles which interact very weakly, if at all, with ordinary matter and light. Detecting these particles or their effects could provide crucial insights into the nature of dark matter and unravel the mysteries of the Universe, but is very difficult as it requires special techniques. I have developed some of them, to search for dark photons, using artificial intelligence based methods, and had two papers published in prestigious international journals.
For my research, I primarily utilise computer-based tools for simulations and data analysis. I'm fortunate to have access to Liverpool's high-performance computing facilities, which are particularly helpful for training neural network algorithms on our huge datasets. I also get the chance to directly work on the maintenance and operation of ATLAS silicon tracker, the innermost part closest to the collision point, to ensure the high quality of the data recorded.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I became passionate about science during high school, where I could conduct experiments in the school lab., A significant part of my inspiration came from my physics teacher, she taught us about the scientific method which I still remember to this day. This passion was then rediscovered later at University, where I had the chance to study physics and explore all the various fields of research. I became keen, almost by chance, in high-energy physics and from that point on there was no turning back.
What are you most proud of achieving?
I am proud of developing new ideas for research projects and seeing them through from start to finish. It's rewarding when these ideas become papers and presentations at conferences where I can share my work with other physicists. To have the opportunity to work in such an exciting environment at CERN is incredibly rewarding and I'm constantly inspired by the research happening around me. I really enjoy helping young students learn and grow in their careers.
What is the key to running a successful research group?
The key to running a successful research group lies in fostering an environment that encourages open discussion. It's crucial to build a cohesive team that values each member's strengths and fosters personal growth. One of the secrets is to never panic, research often takes unexpected turns, but there is a solution to every problem.
What impact is your research having outside of academia?
I am deeply committed and passionate about encouraging an interest in science among the younger generation and showcasing the possibilities it offers. As part of these efforts, I organise each year the “Liverpool@CERN” summer school, inviting high school students from across the United Kingdom to spend a week at CERN. This program serves as an introduction to Particle Physics, aiming to inspire and educate students about the field.
How do you plan to develop your research in the future?
In the coming years the LHC will shut down for important upgrades so it can achieve unprecedented levels of energy and intensity in particle collisions by 2029. During this time I can focus on fully exploring the existing data to identify unexplored areas that will help define the future search LHC search program on dark sectors. This not only with the ATLAS experiment but also participating in new experiments like FASER, which presents a unique opportunity to investigate the forward region of the LHC.
What problem would you like to solve in the next 10 years through your research?
Ultimately my primary goal is to find hints of new physics beyond the Standard Model, which will help shape the future generation of high-energy physics experiments. This effort requires a comprehensive approach, addressing various aspects of my research field. We are just scratching the surface and there is still much uncharted territory, but we are excited about the prospects and innovative approaches we have in mind to pursue this goal.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in research?
If you're considering a career in research, my advice is to follow your passion and embrace challenges. It is critical to build your own freedom and seize every opportunity to implement your ideas. Be prepared to navigate through setbacks and dead ends before achieving breakthroughs. It will be a challenging journey but the excitement of discovery makes it incredibly rewarding.
Where can readers learn more about your research?
You can find more information via the ATLAS website