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Particle physics matters

Illustration by Sandbox Studio, Chicago

Particle physics matters

Particle physicists give short explanations of why they do what they do.

Particle physicists dedicate their lives to understanding the fundamental nature of energy, matter, space and time. Why do they do it? Why is it important for the rest of us?

At the "Snowmass" particle physics planning meeting this summer, symmetry asked particle physicists to explain why they do what they do. Their answers are as diverse as they are moving.

Many researchers explained that particle physics benefits humanity by seeking answers to big questions about where we come from and where we’re going. Others focused on the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills that come with a degree in particle physics, benefiting many parts of society. Still others described how the technology developed for particle physics research can be applied in many areas of daily life.

We at symmetry chose our top five explanations and asked readers to vote for their favorite. When all the votes were tallied, University of Mississippi physicist Breese Quinn was named the winner of the very first symmetry “Excellence in Science Communication” award, affectionately nicknamed the “Symmy.” Watch his video below, and see all the videos on symmetry's YouTube channel.

Quinn says the contest made him take a step back and look at the big picture to put into words what makes him so passionate about particle physics. “It’s the excitement of learning something new about the world that nobody’s ever known before,” he says.

“I think there is an awful lot of wonder and beauty to what we do,” he says. “And that, I think, really needs to be shared.”

 

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