Speaker: Giovanni Villadoro (ICPT)
Title: The QCD axion, precisely
Abstract: The QCD axion is probably the most robust solution to the strong CP problem and a natural dark matter candidate. While its properties, such as the mass and the couplings, are mostly determined by non-perturbative QCD effects I will present recent computations demonstrating that they can be safely extracted with percent accuracy, which is important for the theory interpretation of experimental results. I will also present some recent lattice QCD results highlighting a large departure from the usual instanton estimates and changing substantially the prediction for the axion relic abundance.
Date:24 November 2015 15:00 CET
Title: Dibosons at the LHC - Symmetry Restored?
Presenter: Joachim Kopp (Mainz U)
Abstract: "The ATLAS collaboration has recently reported a mild hint for a new resonance at around 2 TeV decaying to WW, WZ, and/or ZZ pairs. Intriguingly, similar though less significant excesses are also seen in other final states, for instance H+W and dijets. In this talk, we report results of a model-independent fit to all relevant ATLAS and CMS searches in this context. We discuss possible theoretical interpretations of the tentative signals, focusing in particular on left-right symmetric models with gauge group SU(2)_L x SU(2)_R x U(1), where the right-handed partner of the W can explain the excesses. We also comment on possible connections of such a scenario to the dark matter in the Universe."
Date: 27 October 2015 15PM (CET)
Title: Neutrino Masses and Mixing Angles: a tribute to Guido Altarelli
Presenter: Ferruccio Feruglio (Padova U.)
Abstract: I present a personal recollection of Guido Altarelli, focused on his contribution to the problem of neutrino masses and mixing angles. I recap the main ideas in model building, following an historical path, from the discovery of neutrino oscillations in 1998 to the solution of the solar neutrino problem and the measurement of the reactor angle. I illustrate how the subject evolved from the study of neutrino mass textures to the implications of continuous-abelian and discrete-nonabelian flavour symmetries, emphasising the point of view of Guido on the subject. I conclude by commenting the present status of the field.