Shaping the Future of Particle Physics: In-Depth Analysis of Run 3 Data and HL-LHC Detector Upgrades for CMS

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,800,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project supports a research and training program that explores the fundamental building blocks of nature and the forces that govern them. It contributes to one of the most ambitious international scientific collaborations of our time: the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland. By analyzing data from high-energy collisions between protons, this work helps us better understand the origins of mass, the structure of matter, and the possible existence of new particles or forces. The project trains graduate and undergraduate students, engages high school teachers and students in authentic research through the Cosmic Ray Observatory Project, and fosters public engagement by integrating particle physics with creative media arts. This broad set of activities advances scientific knowledge, strengthens the U.S. research workforce, and promotes science literacy in rural areas and among students with limited access to research opportunities. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln group plays a central role in physics analysis, detector operations, computing infrastructure, and future upgrades of the CMS experiment. This award supports precision measurements of Higgs boson, top quark, and electroweak processes, as well as searches for phenomena beyond the Standard Model. The group manages a Tier-2 computing center, leads development of a machine learning–based data quality monitoring system, and oversees data certification during Run 3

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512429
Awardee
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE)
SAM.gov UEI
HTQ6K6NJFHA6
PI
Ilya Kravchenko
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$1,800,000
Funds obligated
$1,800,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028