Both neutrino and dark matter are the main theme of new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. The neutrino oscillation is the first new physics supported by various experiments and serves as an inevitable guide for the future study. And the existence of dark matter receives various evidences from astrophysical and cosmological observations. Without dark matter, no galaxy would have enough time to form. Although we are still trying to figure out the identity and properties of dark matter, it is of much great elegence and convenience for particle physics to provide an explanation in the unified framework of quantum field theory. Neutrino and dark matter also share multiple features: both are neutral, produced in the early Universe, having weak interaction with the ordinary matter. They could be understood within a unified picture.

More broadly, the study of neutrino and dark matter is of great importance for understanding the matter world, including both the visible and dark matter worlds, that plays profound roles in the evolution of our Universe. Until now, our human beings can only understand less than 5% of the cosmic energy. Even for this 5%, we still do not know the exact reason for the existence of matter, namely, why there are a lot of matter but almost no anti-matter. In addition, the dark matter world that is more than 5 times abundant than the visible matter. Without understanding the matter worlds, one cannot claim fully understanding the origin and evolution of our Universe.

This DM and neutrino Focus Week at TDLI will try to bring together global researchers, especially junior scientists, to brainstorm the possible future of dark matter and neutrino studies. It consists two parts,

Aug 18-21: A pheno program which would accommodate up to 20 participants for casual seminars and discussions. Junior researchers, especially postdocs and senior students, are highly welcome to apply. If you need financial support, the application should be submitted before May/31. We may cover some local expenses. Those applying for financial support should arrange a recommendation letter from your host or advisor to Prof. Shao-Feng Ge (gesf@sjtu.edu.cn).

Aug 22-24: A pheno meeting to bring experts from China and abroad to discuss the latest frontiers. The application for the pheno meeting part would open later.

Organizers:

Bhupal Dev (Washington University in St. Louis)

Shao-Feng Ge (Tsung-Dao Lee Institute & Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Yongchao Zhang (Southeast University)