Cold Dark Matter

Seemingly dominating our Universe, the Cold Dark Matter paradigm has existed for almost a Century. But how did we get here? What has motivated this model and why are we so sure it is right? Today multi-billion dollar experiments are desperately trying to discover this mysterious particle - but to no avail. Together we will build up the evidence for a massive, collisionless dark matter particle, from both a particle and astrophysical perspective - and then we will break it back down...

Particle physics models of dark matter

Having build up our evidence base for a cold and collisionless dark matter particle we will explore the plethora of particle physics models of dark matter. From QCD axions to sterile neutrinos we will understand the theoretical origins of these exciting models.

Observing dark matter

Now armed with the particle physics knowledge of what is possible we will explore together how it is possible to observe dark matter. Getting to grips with the fundamentals of gravitational lensing we will understand how we can use complex modelling techniques to probe the fundamental nature of dark matter.

Simulating exotic dark matter

Finally we will be guided through the complex process of simulating exotic dark matter models in computer simulations. These test beds are our weapon in cosmological inference and without which we would be blind. However, these amazing tools have their limitations

The Saas-Fee Presentation workshop

Finally, each day students will partake in a presentation workshop. The ability to present your work and complex ideas to a range of audiences is an important skill. With each session tackling a different aspect of presentations, from perfecting your slides to overcoming those pre-presentation nerves, this workshop will ensure all students come away feeling more confident and excited in their own research.