The Standard Model (SM) is, so far, the best available explanation for understanding the most fundamental elements of matter, its properties and interactions. This has been corroborated by experiments over the last decades. However, some weaknesses and possible deviations remain: for example, its pieces do not fit with gravity or dark matter, nor can they explain the dominance of matter over antimatter in the universe. Pushing the Standard Model to its limits could transform particle physics and, with it, our understanding of the Universe.
Knowledge of the universe is now entering a new era. Thanks to technological improvements in observational devices and the growing capacity for data analysis, a window is opening that could revolutionise our knowledge of the cosmos. In this scenario, multimessenger astronomy is a discipline with huge potential. It is now possible to observe the same cosmic event with different signals in addition to light, such as electromagnetic radiation, gravitational waves or neutrinos.
The study of the structure of atomic nuclei, where almost all the mass that composes matter is found, has improved the understanding of the interactions and reactions that take place inside them. Recreating and analyzing these processes is essential to understanding the existence of the various elements that make up the periodic table, implementing the mechanisms that made atomic energy possible, and developing imaging and medical treatment techniques that contribute to improving healthcare.
