Welcome to the University of Freiburg: Dr Brian Moser, Junior Professor for Experimental Particle Physics
Freiburg, 28/02/2025
On 1 January 2025, Dr Brian Moser was appointed to the Junior Professorship for Experimental Particle Physics. In a short interview, he talks about what inspires him about particle physics, what he does outside of his research and which Baden specialities he is particularly looking forward to.
What excites you about your research?
Particle physics attempts to determine the fundamental building blocks of nature and describe them in a “standard model”. The Higgs boson discovered at CERN in 2012 plays a central role and is connected to many unanswered questions in modern physics. At the same time, the properties of this unique particle have not yet been measured satisfactorily: ideal conditions for an experimental particle physicist like me. My research involves literally putting the Higgs particle under the microscope to find out its true nature – it’s a lot of fun. I’m also fascinated by the apparent contradictions in the field. For example, that it requires the largest research facilities to measure the smallest building blocks of nature, or that thousands of physicists can work on a collective project without beating each other up.
Should your research offer starting points: What solutions can you find in your research for present and future challenges?
I conduct basic research in physics. Most of the time, this has no direct impact on our daily lives, except for the knowledge gained itself. However, basic research forms the foundation for innovations, applications and new technologies that often only take place decades later. It is indispensable for progress in our society. The light bulb, for example, was not invented because someone had deliberately tried to improve candles. Almost three hundred years of knowledge gain in the field of electromagnetism, from Gilbert to Ampère, Faraday and Maxwell, were necessary before Edison applied for a patent for the light bulb in 1880.
What would you like to pass on to your students and what would you like to gain from teaching?
Work together. The days of the lonely genius revolutionising science in isolation from the rest of the world are over (if they ever existed). Modern science thrives on collaboration and diversity. When people with different talents join forces, great things can happen. Teaching forces me to explain physical concepts vividly and coherently, which often deepens my own understanding of the material. So far, I have found the students in Freiburg to be enthusiastic and curious, which in turn motivates and inspires me.
What topics are you personally most concerned with at the moment, outside of your research?
I am currently reading ‘The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark’ by Carl Sagan and thinking a lot about how we can counter disinformation and populism and promote the scientific method as the ‘gold standard’ to a wider audience. In addition, I am currently still dealing with the real mysteries of the universe due to my move: registration office, insurance, internet connection, furniture delivery times…
What are you looking forward to most in Freiburg?
I grew up in Elzach, not far from Freiburg, and studied at the University of Freiburg. That’s why I’m particularly happy to be returning home for now. After seven years abroad, I am also finally enjoying Baden’s cultural assets such as Flädlesuppe, Spätzle or Brägele more often again. Professionally, I am looking forward to working with the other groups at the Institute of Physics to further strengthen particle physics as one of the flagship subjects of the University of Freiburg.