Symmetries and Phases in the Universe”: Particle Physics meet Astrophysics

True to its goal to bridge gaps between the astrophysics and the nuclear/particle physics communities, the Excellence Cluster Universe held a symposium looking at the evolution of the Universe from different perspectives. From 23 to 25 June 2008, more than 100 physicists joined the conference “Symmetries and Phases in the Universe” to learn about current research in adjacent disciplines. The 15 talks given by renowned scientists from international research institutions were followed by lively discussions that were highly appreciated by the participants. Says Jesper Sommer-Larsen, a visiting scientist at the Cluster: “The symposium started off a better communication and understanding between different research fields”. Cluster Coordinator Stephan Paul stated that the first international symposium organized by the Cluster turned out as a big success: “We succeeded in bringing together outstanding scientists of different disciplines, including Nobel Prize winner George Smoot. I’m sure the attendees benefitted from this unique constellation of people and issues at the symposium.” Kloster Irsee proved as an ideal setting for this symposium. The atmosphere of the former monastery stimulated discussions not only during the talks and the poster session but also in the spontaneous evening gatherings in the premises’ beautiful garden.

All abstracts and slides of the talks can be found at universe-cluster.de/symposium2008.php

by B. Wankerl