Scientists in Latin America recently published the first coordinated plan for the region’s research in high-energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Fermilab scientist Marcela Carena was part of the group that collected input for the report. Here, she weighs in its significance.
Mexico City is a fantastic venue for a physicist gathering. Magnificent colonial buildings dating from the 1500s, impressive archeological sites, a thriving art scene, authentic Mexican cuisine and wonderful hosts made the Centro Histórico in the former capital of the Mexica Empire the perfect setting for the first Latin American Workshop on Software and Computing Challenges in High-Energy Particle Physics, held in November.
For the first time, scientists and policy-makers are creating a regional strategy for scientific projects in Latin America, starting with a focus on high-energy physics and cosmology.
Latin American institutions are instrumental in creating photon detectors for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment.
Maria Teresa Dova has been instrumental in bringing scientists in Argentina new opportunities to participate in particle physics and astrophysics experiments, including one that co-discovered the Higgs boson.
Feeling left out of some traditional paths to community in particle physics, a group of Latin American researchers created their own way to connect.
A strong regional tradition of high-energy physics and astrophysics—plus the aspirations of one young researcher—brought the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-ray Observatory to Mexico.
A collaboration with fewer than 100 members has played an important role in Fermilab’s ongoing partnership with Latin American scientists and institutions.
A series of short physics schools organized in collaboration with CERN has had an outsized impact on the careers of scientists from Latin America.
Today, as vice president of research at the University of Colima in Mexico, Alfredo Ananda’s main occupation is building a more certain route to a research career for Latin American students. He does this by providing them with challenging academics and international connections.