Challenges of Large-Scale Projects and the Impact of FORCE

Abstract

Particle physics has a long tradition of operating very large international facilities. Over the past years, the number of big projects has decreased, while the size of the worldwide collaborations and the costs have increased substantially. At the LHC, the present flagship project of particle physics, more than 2,000 scientists are working together in each of the two general-purpose experiments ATLAS and CMS. The challenges to construct and operate these experiments are numerous, ranging from the development of cutting-edge technologies and the search for new physics to the process of decision-making within the community to obtain and manage the necessary funds over a long period of time, in line with the construction and operation schedule. The international visibility of the Swiss groups working in the LHC experimental program and their impact within the collaborations is also linked to the available funding. The possibility for Swiss groups to apply for funds via FORCE was the only way to overcome the remaining funding difficulties and thus to allow Swiss groups to fulfill their respective responsibilities. In the case of CMS, FORCE funds were decisive for the completion of the electromagnetic calorimeter, and we are very grateful for this financial support. FORCE will also be crucial in the future – for the optimal exploitation of LHC physics as well as for any new international project in particle physics.