- Seminars-iihe - listserv.vub.be

Invited seminar: Imaging with muons - Friday Oct 24, 2pm in Sacton room
by Steven Lowette 15 Oct '25

15 Oct '25

Dear all, Please mark your agendas: on Friday Oct 24 we will have an IIHE seminar from our nearby colleague Andrea Giammanco: "Imaging with muons" at 14h00 in the Sacton seminar room (G.1.03). The event's agenda can be found here: https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2331/ Kind regards, Steven. -- Steven Lowette https://cern.ch/lowette/

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Invited seminar: Tuning into tau Neutrinos - Friday Sep 5, 2pm in J. Sacton
by Simona Toscano 05 Sep '25

05 Sep '25

Dear all, Our RNO-G colleague, Stephanie Wissel, Director of the Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics at the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos at PSU, will be visiting us at the beginning of September. She has kindly agreed to give a seminar, as part of our invited seminar series, on her latest project related to the radio detection of astrophysical tau neutrinos. The seminar will be held on Friday, September 5, at 2:00 PM in the J. Sacton Room. Please find the information below. Hope to see most of you there. Best, Simona. Title: Tuning into Tau Neutrinos Abstract: Neutrinos are the ideal messenger for high-energy astrophysics. Weakly interacting and uncharged, they propagate undeterred and unabsorbed through the universe. In the last decade, the IceCube experiment has brought us the discovery of a flux of high-energy, TeV-scale neutrinos and through a multi-messenger lens — the combined observations of neutrinos and other messengers like photons — we are starting to see hints of energetic neutrino sources for the first time. At higher energies still, beyond the PeV scale, we can probe the most energetic sources of both neutrinos and cosmic rays, but current neutrino experiments become too small to observe a sizable flux. Radio experiments can achieve the large exposures necessary by taking advantage of the coherent broadband radio emission resulting from ultra-high-energy (E>10^17 eV) neutrino interactions as well as the large volumes visible from high elevations. In this talk, I will review results from current and future high-elevation radio experiments, with a particular focus on Earth-skimming tau neutrinos and cosmic ray air showers as observed with from mountains with BEACON and HERON. Short-bio: Stephanie Wissel’s work centers on multi-messenger astrophysics, with a particular emphasis on ultra-high energy neutrinos. Neutrinos play a key role in this growing field that combines observations from neutrinos, photons, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves to understand particle accelerators and the extreme physics that drives them. She has been working in astroparticle radio detection since 2012. She currently works on ARA, BEACON, PUEO, RNO-G, and IceCube-Gen2. She has been recognized for her work with an NSF CAREER Award as the PI on the BEACON experiment and with a Downsbrough Early Career Development Professorship in Physics https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2388/ IIHE Invited seminar: Tuning into Tau Neutrinos indico.iihe.ac.be Dr. Simona Toscano (she / her / hers) Université Libre de Bruxelles Inter-university Institute for High Energies (IIHE) Service de physique de particules élémentaires, ULB - CP 230 Boulevard du Triomphe - 1050 Bruxelles (Belgium) Office : G.0.16 tel: +32.(0)2.629.3216 Email: stoscano(a)ulb.be <mailto:stoscano@vub.ac.be> or toscano(a)icecube.wisc.edu <mailto:toscano@icecube.wisc.edu>

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Invited seminar: Probing the Dark Sector One Electron at a Time: Skipper CCDs and the DAMIC-M Experiment - Friday June 20th at 2 PM
by TOSCANO Simona 17 Jun '25

17 Jun '25

Dear all, As part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk by Xavier Bertou from IJCLab in Paris-Saclay University, on Friday, June 20 at 2PM in the J. Sacton Room. This is going to be the last seminar for this academic year. We will resume in October. Please find here the info: Title: Probing the Dark Sector One Electron at a Time: Skipper CCDs and the DAMIC-M Experiment Abstract: Detecting dark matter—particularly in the light mass regime—requires sensitivity to extremely faint ionization signals, potentially down to a single electron. Skipper CCDs are a new class of silicon detectors that enable this level of sensitivity by achieving sub-electron noise, thanks to their ability to perform multiple non-destructive charge measurements per pixel. In this talk, I will introduce the operating principles and technological advances behind Skipper CCDs, contrasting them with conventional CCDs. I will then present how these sensors are used in the DAMIC-M experiment, a direct dark matter search operating at the Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane, and show recent results from its prototype phase. These results set world-leading constraints on dark matter–electron scattering for sub-MeV dark matter, probing both freeze-out and freeze-in production mechanisms in the dark sector for the first time. Finally, I will highlight why Skipper CCDs are not just a niche detector but a transformative technology: from their applications in low-background rare-event searches to their potential to replace standard CCDs in broader scientific contexts, especially with new developments like MAS-CCDs enabling fast, multiplexed readout. Skipper CCDs are poised to reshape the landscape of precision low-energy detection. Short-bio: Xavier Bertou is Research Director at IJCLab (CNRS/IN2P3, Université Paris-Saclay), where he leads the Direct Dark Matter group within the Astrophysics, Astroparticle and Cosmology department. A specialist in experimental astroparticle physics, he has contributed extensively to major international efforts in cosmic ray and dark matter research. After completing his PhD at LPNHE in Paris and a Grainger Fellowship at the University of Chicago, he spent over two decades at Centro Atómico Bariloche in Argentina (CNEA/CONICET). There, he played a central role in the Pierre Auger Observatory, leading key aspects of the design, deployment, and operation of the surface detector array. He later spearheaded the development of novel detection technologies and underground science initiatives. Dr. Bertou is a long-standing member of the DAMIC-M Collaboration, where he co-leads the Central Data Acquisition System, and is actively involved in advancing Skipper CCD technology for low-threshold dark matter searches <https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2320/> [indico_square.png] IIHE Invited seminar: Probing the Dark Sector One Electron at a Time: Skipper CCDs and the DAMIC-M Experiment<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2320/> indico.iihe.ac.be<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2320/> Hope to see you all on Friday! Best, Simona.

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Invited seminar: Multimessenger astronomy with ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos - Friday June 13th at 2PM
by TOSCANO Simona 13 Jun '25

13 Jun '25

Dear all, As part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk on multimessenger astronomy by Foteini Oikonomou, Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, on Friday, June 13 at 2PM in the J. Sacton Room. Title: Multimessenger astronomy with ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos Abstract: Multimessenger astrophysics has advanced rapidly over the past decade, driven in large part by new observations of high-energy neutrinos and gravitational waves. At the same time, ultra-high-energy cosmic ray experiments have made significant progress, including the discovery of a dipole anisotropy in UHECR arrival directions - a milestone that has revitalised the field of ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray astronomy. In this talk, I will review recent results in the search for the origins of high-energy neutrinos and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. In particular, I will highlight a promising new site of ultra-high energy cosmic ray acceleration in active galactic nuclei (AGN): the wide-angle relativistic winds known as ultra-fast outflows. See you all on Friday. Best, Simona. <https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2299/> [indico_square.png] IIHE Invited seminar: Multimessenger astronomy with ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2299/> indico.iihe.ac.be<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2299/>

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Invited seminars in June - save de dates
by TOSCANO Simona 19 May '25

19 May '25

Dear all, please find here the next round of invited seminars for the month of June: - 13 of June: "Multimessenger astronomy with ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and high-energy neutrinos” by Foteini Oikonomou (NTNU) - https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2299/ - 20 of June: "Probing the Dark Sector One Electron at a Time: Skipper CCDs and the DAMIC-M Experiment” by Xavier Bertou (IJCLab) - https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2320/ Save the dates in your agenda! Best, Simona.

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Invited seminar: Fast Monte Carlo simulations of proton therapy - Friday May 16th at 2PM
by TOSCANO Simona 08 May '25

08 May '25

Dear all, As part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk on proton therapy on Friday, May 16 at 2PM (change of time!!!) in the J. Sacton Room. For this seminar we have 2 speakers from IBA dosimetry (Kevin Souris and Virgile Dandoy) with an academic background. Title: Fast Monte Carlo simulations of proton therapy Abstract: Half of cancer treatments involve radiation therapy techniques, consisting of irradiating tumors with external radiation beams. The biggest challenge is to kill cancerous cells while limiting damages to healthy tissues and spare organs at risk. Proton beams offer more advantageous physical properties than X-ray beams conventionally used nowadays. High radiation dose can be delivered to the target by adjusting the Bragg peak positions in the tumor. However, this high dose gradient is also a source of potential treatment errors as Bragg peak might not be delivered at the expected location due to several uncertainties. Monte Carlo simulation of proton interactions in patient geometry is considered the most accurate method to estimate the dose distribution. The stochastic method requires, however, the simulation of a huge number of particles to reduce the statistical noise on the results. This presentation will introduce the development of fast Monte Carlo simulation codes to allow their application in clinical routine. This seminar might be of interest for PhD students looking at other opportunities outside academia in particular. If you are interested in personally discussing with the speakers please let me know. Hope to see you all next week. Best regards, Simona. Dr. Simona Toscano (she / her / hers) Université Libre de Bruxelles Inter-university Institute for High Energies (IIHE) Service de physique de particules élémentaires, ULB - CP 230 Boulevard du Triomphe - 1050 Bruxelles (Belgium) Office : G.0.16 tel: +32.(0)2.629.3216 Email: stoscano(a)ulb.be<mailto:stoscano@vub.ac.be> or toscano(a)icecube.wisc.edu<mailto:toscano@icecube.wisc.edu> [PastedGraphic-10.png]

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Invited seminar on proton therapy - save the date!
by TOSCANO Simona 01 May '25

01 May '25

Dear all, As part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk on proton therapy on Friday, May 16 at 2PM (change of time!!!) in the J. Sacton Room. For this seminar we have 2 speakers from IBA dosimetry with an academic background. This might be of interest for PhD students looking at other opportunities outside academia in particular. If you are interested in personally discussing with the speakers please let me know. The title and abstract are still TBD, but please save the date! Best, Simona. <https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2298/> [indico_square.png] IIHE Invited seminar: Dosimetry in protontherapy (@IBA) - Title to be announced<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2298/> indico.iihe.ac.be<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2298/>

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IIHE Invited seminar: First look at the JUNO commissioning data
by TOSCANO Simona 25 Apr '25

25 Apr '25

Dear all, As a part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk on the status of the JUNO experiment. The seminar will be delivered by our colleague Marta Colomer Molla, who has been directly involved in the detector commissioning. The seminar is scheduled for this Friday 25 of March at 2:30pm in the J. Sacton Room. Please find the abstract here: Abstract: JUNO is the largest ever-built liquid scintillator detector, with the goal of studying reactor neutrino oscillations. Its construction finished in December 2024 and since January 2025, it has been taking data in a commissioning mode. First, the detector was fully filled with water. Since February 8th, water is being progressively replaced by liquid scintillator filling, and now contains over 5kton of the 20 kton of liquid scintillator. In this seminar, the first achievements and results obtained with the JUNO commissioning will be discussed and presented, as well as the current status. <https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2297/> [indico_square.png] IIHE Invited seminar: First look at the JUNO commissioning data<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2297/> indico.iihe.ac.be<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2297/> Looking forward to seeing most of you there. Best, Simona

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IIHE invited seminar: Observation of an ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrino with KM3NeT *** Friday March 21 - 2:30 pm ***
by TOSCANO Simona 21 Mar '25

21 Mar '25

Dear all, As part of our invited seminar series, we are pleased to host a talk on the latest results from the KM3NeT collaboration. The seminar will be delivered by one of the analyzer and our colleague from UC Louvain, Dr. Mathieu Lamoureux, on Friday, March 21, at 2:30 PM in the J. Sacton Room. Please find the abstract and short bio below: Abstract: On February 13, 2023, the KM3NeT telescope has detected a muon with an energy in the hundreds of petaelectronvolts. Given its energy and horizontal direction, it most probably originates from the interaction of an ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrino. This neutrino is the most energetic one detected so far, with an estimated energy of $220^{+570}_{-110}$ petaelectronvolts. This observation has triggered many follow-up studies, notably the search for an associated astrophysical source, constraints on cosmogenic models, the combination with IceCube and Auger non-observations at such energies, and implications for beyond-standard-model scenarii. After a general introduction on neutrino astronomy and Cherenkov neutrino telescopes, the seminar will cover the detection of this extraordinary event and the outcomes of the related studies, as well as the current status and future plans of the KM3NeT experiment. Short bio: Mathieu Lamoureux is currently an FNRS postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain (Belgium). He obtained his PhD at CEA Paris Saclay in 2018 on the search for hypothetical heavy neutrinos with the T2K experiment. In 2019, he was awarded a MSCA-COFUND fellowship at INFN Padova (Italy) and switched his focus towards neutrino astronomy. He also performed during a secondment period at UParis-Cité (France) in 2021. He has been working on the Super-Kamiokande and ANTARES experiments, with a focus on joint sources of neutrinos and gravitational waves and on neutrino emission from the Milky Way. At UCLouvain since 2022, he has been actively involved in the KM3NeT and IceCube Collaborations, pursuing the study of astrophysical neutrinos and their connections in the multimessenger picture. <https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2289/> [indico_square.png] IIHE invited seminar: Observation of an ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrino with KM3NeT<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2289/> indico.iihe.ac.be<https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2289/> We look forward to your participation. Best, Simona.

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IIHE Seminar Friday 25 Oct: High-precision measurement of the W boson mass at CMS (Dr. Jan Eysermans)
by Gerrit Van Onsem 31 Jan '25

31 Jan '25

Dear all, This is a reminder of the IIHE seminar tomorrow Friday 25 October: * "High-precision measurement of the W boson mass at the CMS experiment" *by Dr. Jan Eysermans (MIT) The agenda can be found here: https://indico.iihe.ac.be/event/2054/ The seminar will take place at 14:30 in the Sacton seminar room (G.1.03). Please find the abstract and short bio below. Best regards, Gerrit *Abstract:* The W boson mass is measured using proton-proton collision data with an integrated luminosity of 16.8 fb⁻¹, collected by the CMS experiment in 2016. The mass is extracted through a fit to a highly granular two-dimensional distribution of transverse momentum (pT) and pseudorapidity (η) in a sample of W→μν decays, categorized by charge. This novel approach, which incorporates significant in-situ constraints on theoretical inputs and their associated uncertainties, along with precise determinations of experimental effects, yields a highly accurate W boson mass measurement of 80,360.2 ± 9.9 MeV, consistent with the Standard Model prediction. *Short Bio:* Jan Eysermans graduated in Physics from Ghent University in Belgium and completed his PhD at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla in Mexico, where he worked on searching for new signatures beyond the Standard Model in the Higgs sector, especially focusing on charged Higgs bosons. He also served as the deputy technical coordinator for the CMS Resistive Plate Chambers subdetector, studied irradiation effects on RPC detectors, and contributed to Phase-2 upgrades. After working at SCK CEN as a project manager for nuclear fuel tests, Jan joined MIT as a postdoc at the CMS experiment, working on measuring the W boson mass.

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