Detailed Studies of the Strong Force

– Meet Thomas Nilsson

"All Swedish groups that are active in hadron and nuclear physics, and several in atomic physics, have expressed strong interest in performing most of their future experiments at the facility. Through the Swedish FAIR Consortium (SFAIR) they have agreed to submit a joint application for resources and be a driving force for Sweden´s involvement in FAIR."

What is happening now?

"The first experiments are expected to be under way in 2014. The time prior to this, however, will not be lost. In many instances the prototypes will be tested in current experimental facilities so methods can be developed for future experiments and data analysis."

"Concurrently, researchers will try to answer fundamental scientific questions that can be attacked already today. Hence, technological and basic scientific findings will be presented even in the shorter term."

Why did you choose this particular research topic?

"At the core, of course, is the curiosity-driven, unbiased search for new knowledge. Added are the challenging experimental dimensions that drive technological advancement and comprise a fantastic education for students in the project – and the interactive human dimension that is required for large, international teams to collaborate effectively."

"The FAIR project offers a unique opportunity to participate in forming an international research facility and the experimental projects surrounding it. Given the lifecycle of an accelerator facility a chance like this appears very rarely, even during a lengthy research career!"