Transformational Science and Technologies in Particle Astrophysics

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Particle astrophysics is the study of the fundamental properties of the building blocks of nature, and their influence on the evolution of structure in the universe. The questions being addressed are considered, worldwide, to be among the most important in physics today. Led by many of the scientists who developed the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), Canada has become a world leader in this field. With the expansion of SNO to form SNOLAB, Canada now operates the premier laboratory of this kind in the world. In recent years, research intensity in this field has increased dramatically. Canada is currently in an enviable position, with world-leading facilities and research programs that received the highest possible accolades; and sharing the 2015 Nobel and 2016 Breakthrough prizes, among others. The Canada First Research Excellence Fund offers an opportunity to enable Canadian scientists to continue their pre-eminence in this field. To ensure the highest level of international excellence, the Canadian Particle Astrophysics Research Centre will: expand on the scientific culture at Queen’s University and partner institutions (universities: University of Alberta, The University of British Columbia, Carleton University, Laurentian University, McGill University, Université de Montréal and University of Toronto; and institutes: Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Institute of Particle Physics, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, SNOLAB and TRIUMF) by building a powerful team working on all aspects of particle astrophysics, including the SNOLAB experimental program, astroparticle theory, related observational astrophysics, cosmology, and the development of new detectors and technologies that actively involve industrial partners and facilitate innovation-transfer through technology-transfer offices; extract maximum scientific output from the current suite of SNOLAB experiments, by strengthening the scientific resources at Canadian universities and engaging the broader community in the undertaking; create a research team with the ability to lead global-scale, next generation experiments and attract international collaboration; and embed students at all stages of their careers in this scientific culture, developing skills and creating training opportunities through linkages to colleges, industries and international programs.