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Contact Info:
John Wilkerson
Office: 238
Phillips Hall
Tel: (919) 962-1384 (UNC)
(919) 660-2958 (TUNL)
email: John Wilkerson
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of North Carolina
Phillips Hall, CB #3255
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3255
Related URL Links:
Experimental Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics @ UNC
Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory
International Neutrino Summer School
UNC Department of Physics and Astronomy
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Why neutrinos matter
The recent discoveries in neutrino physics have revolutionized our understanding of neutrinos,
while also bringing forth an intriguing set of intertwined questions concerning fundamental symmetries,
the basic interactions of subatomic particles, and the role neutrinos play in the cosmos.
Research in the coming decade promises the opportunity to explore a series of outstanding questions:
Is lepton number, one of nature's most fundamental symmetries, conserved?
Are neutrinos their own antiparticle?
What are the absolute masses of neutrinos?
How have neutrinos shaped the evolution of the universe?
Might neutrinos explain the observed matter to antimatter asymmetry?
INSA
Based on the wealth of science opportunities, neutrino scientists at the University of North Carolina, Duke University,
North Carolina State University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have come together to
establish an institute focused on neutrino science and its interconnections to nuclear
astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology.
The Institute for Neutrino Science and Astrophysics (INSA)
has an established group of senior faculty as well as talented junior faculty that are either
involved as leaders of major international neutrino experimental efforts or are acknowledged
theoretical experts.
We are currently in the process of forming INSA and welcome participation by scientists
interested in an international center for neutrino science.
Some of the key INSA goals are:
Research - The institute is playing a major role in several international collaboations,
such as the MAJORANA neutrinoless double beta decay experiment and the KATRIN neutrino mass experiment.
We seek to foster relationships with other physics and science disciplines where these programs can strengthen each other.
Education and Outreach - The institute is the processes of establishing a strong outreach or
community programs to effectively reach the public. We provide opportunities for undergraduates,
graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Nationally and Internationally - The institute plans to establish visitor
programs and workshops that will attract both national and international
faculty visitors. As an example we are providing support for the International
Neutrino Summer Schoolto be held at Fermilab July 6-17, 2009.
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