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Article ID: CBB001220408

Big Science and the Large Hadron Collider (2012)

Giudice, Gian Francesco (Author)

Physics in Perspective
Volume: 14
Pages: 95--112
Publication date: 2012
Language: English

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Theoretical physics Government sponsored science Big science Particle accelerators Physics Scientific apparatus and instruments Atomic, nuclear, and particle physics 20th century, late 21st century Europe Switzerland Large Hadron Collider (LHC) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the particle accelerator operating at CERN, is probably the most complex and ambitious scientific project ever accomplished by humanity. The sheer size of the enterprise, in terms of financial and human resources, naturally raises the question whether society should support such costly basic-research programs. I address this question by first reviewing the process that led to the emergence of Big Science and the role of large projects in the development of science and technology. I then compare the methodologies of Small and Big Science, emphasizing their mutual linkage. Finally, after examining the cost of Big Science projects, I highlight several general aspects of their beneficial implications for society.

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