Martin Gastal

Martin Gastal (MBA and MSc Physics) is a senior staff member of CERN, the largest laboratory in the world dedicated to research in particle physics. Since 2006, he has been the manager of the experimental area of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, one of the two experiments involved in the discovery of the Higgs Boson. This apparatus, designed to uncover new particles over 30 years, is one of the largest and most advanced machines that human kind has ever built. Martin Gastal is also a facilitator for the integration of new universities into the CMS collaboration through engagement focused on engineering and technology development. He sets-up and supports the development of projects that, using CERN technology, benefit local communities and promote economic development in partner countries. He also leads outreach efforts to bring CERN and CMS closer to the general public. Since 2018, he is also the CERN adviser for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Keynote title: The Compact Muon Solenoid, a research apparatus pushing the boundaries of human knowledge throughout (at least) three decades

Abstract:

Project cycles typically span over several decade at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics. CERN and its staff provide a unique range of particle accelerator facilities that enable research at the forefront of human knowledge. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is CERN's flag ship proton collider currently in operation. The use of this state of the art research infrastructure in conjunction with the High Energy Physics detectors ATLAS and CMS resulted in the discovery of a new type of particle, the Higgs Boson. This presentation will provide an overview of CERN, the LHC and the CMS detector. For the latter in particular, we will explore the complexities involved in designing, operating, maintaining and upgrading such a large piece of engineering and technology.