Physics Colloquium / Prof. Joerg Jaeckel: Axions and ALPs: From Dark Matter Towards Discovery and Beyond

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Abstract: Dark matter is still one of the most important questions in contemporary physics. We will see that Axions and ALPs are amongst the prime candidates for this dark matter and how they can be detected. But even after an initial discovery important questions remain. Can we establish whether we have really discovered THE dark matter or just a (small) part of it? Can we use it to learn something about our large-scale cosmic environment? And the opposite direction: can we learn something about the laws of physics at the truly microscopic, fundamental level?

Short bio: Since 2012: Professor (W3) of Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University (Germany) / 2007 – 2012: Lecturer and Reader at IPPP, Durham University (UK) / 2007 – 2008: Junior research group leader Heidelberg University (Germany) / various postdoc stays (Durham University, DESY, Heidelberg University). 2016 – 2025: Coordinator of the CERN Study Group Physics Beyond Colliders (together with Claude Vallee (until 2024), Mike Lamont (until 2020), Gianluigi Arduini (since 2020) and Gunar Schnell (since 2024)), 2016 – 2020: Principal Investigator of the Heidelberg node of the EU supported ITN Elusives, 2016 – 2018: Dean of Studies, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University (Germany).