Research into the basic building blocks of matter and their fundamental interactions is part of global research efforts. Numerous large-scale international experiments, which have either already begun collecting data or will start operating over the next decade, are dedicated to this exciting challenge. PRISMA⁺ scientists are involved in many of them. They aim to make important contributions to answering a number of fundamental open questions in this field of research:

• Are there new particles or new forces beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics?
• What is the origin of mass?
• Why does the universe have more matter than antimatter?
• What is dark matter made of?

To find answers to these questions, research at PRISMA⁺ comprises five fundamental, interrelated fields of research. The common goal is to investigate fundamental forces and symmetries, their connections to the existence of new particles, the internal structure of ordinary (visible) matter and the nature of dark matter and its interactions with the visible sector.

At JGU, the exploration of the fundamental building blocks and interactions of nature is characterized by a wide range of complementary approaches and methods used to answer these questions, such as:

• Experiments at particle accelerators
• Neutrino telescopes and experiments to search for dark matter
• Precision spectroscopy and magnetometry, as well as experiments with atom and ion traps
• Reactor-based experiments with cold and ultracold neutrons
• Theoretical calculations and modeling

PRISMA⁺ benefits in particular from the expertise available in Mainz in the fields of numerical methods and high-performance computing as well as the extensive experience in the design and operation of large experimental and accelerator facilities.