Challenge
The universe obeys only one set of rules, and scientists have hundreds of experiments targeting parts of that one set. Experiments range over distance scale (31 orders of magnitude), cost ($100k to $B), duration (fractions of a section to decades), and human investment (few to thousands). We need a way to integrate the disparate experimental results with theoretical knowledge to accelerate discovery.
AI Solution
High-energy physics and nuclear physics form a unique foundation to build AI reasoning models at unprecedented scale. Developing AI that simultaneously learns from particle collisions, nuclear decays, and cosmological surveys will require breakthroughs in multi-modal learning and the ability to derive insights rather than merely recognize patterns. An AI that internalizes the Standard Model could accelerate analysis by orders of magnitude, identify anomalies pointing to new physics, and propose theoretical extensions consistent with all data—a leap from pattern matching to physics reasoning.
Justification
DOE uniquely possesses the confluence of world-class scientific talent, stewardship of cutting edge facilities, unparalleled access to experimental data, and a critical national mission to effectively address this challenge. These facilities, alongside a broad portfolio of programs that explore the fundamental constituents and forces of the universe and delve into the nature of atomic nuclei, underscore DOE's singular ability to conduct large-scale, long-term, and high-impact scientific research.
National Impact
The acceleration of discovery, particularly in areas involving vast datasets from cutting-edge experiments, means we could reach breakthroughs much faster than previously possible, impacting our technological capabilities and quality of life in unforeseen ways. Questions such as why is there more matter than antimatter, what is the nature of dark matter, and how do protons generate mass and spin address the nature of reality, and answering questions through advanced AI could have profound shifts in our philosophical and scientific understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.