Abstract: I'll discuss the role of the Higgs boson as a probe of the hidden sector. The latter is of particular importance in cosmology as it may host dark matter and the inflaton. Due to its scalar nature, the Higgs boson provides a unique handle on properties of such Standard Model-singlet states. This framework also offers interesting insights into the question of vacuum metastability and leads to specific signatures at the LHC.

Abstract: Supersymmetry (SUSY) is the most appealing and searched extension of the Standard Model as it elegantly provides solutions to most of the major concerns in particle physics: the hierarchy problem, the gauge coupling unification and the dark matter mystery. SUSY is also motivated by solutions to several theoretical problems, such as supergravity, the theory of everything and the explanation of the cosmological inflation. Ten years ago, in November 2009, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) delivered…

Abstract: We embed the scheme of Natural (Axionic) Inflation within a string theory framework that satisfies the so-called "Weak Gravity Conjecture". There, the pure cosine potential of natural inflation is replaced by modular functions. This leads to "wiggles" in the inflationary potential that modify the predictions with respect to CMB observations. This scheme of "Modulated Natural Inflation" is compatible with all existing CMB data. It predicts a lower limit of the scalar-to-tensor-ratio r>0.002 as…

Abstract: The absence of BSM signals at the LHC forces us to rethink our current paradigms about new physics and prompts for new searches. The objective of this mini-workshop will be to review various probes at different energy scales: low energy measurements, EDM, neutron-antineutron oscillation, atomic spectroscopy, table top experiments for search for light DM, fixed-target experiments, future colliders, astrophysics probes (neutron star mergers), cosmological probes (GW stochastic background) and get…

Abstract: We announce that the 17th Russbach School on Nuclear Astrophysics will again take place at the village of Rußbach am Paß Gschütt, southeast of Salzburg, Austria. The school dates will be from March 15 (arrival and registration) to March 21 (departure) 2020. This school belongs to the European Network of Nuclear Astrophysics Schools (ENNAS). We shall limit the number of participants to about 60 to ensure a convivial atmosphere, and the possibility to share dinners between all participants. In…

Abstract: The study of the dynamic Universe on all astronomical scales allows us to pinpoint the underlying physical processes that not only lead to the formation of stars and planets from the turbulent interstellar medium, but also determine the structure of the Universe on the largest observable scales.  The meeting is organised in honour of Professor Andi Burkert and to celebrate his 60th birthday. The workshop highlights the various dynamical processes covered by Andi's work and brings together…