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But for now
let's start with an essential discovery
for a better understanding
of the basic mechanisms
of matter in the universe.
What I basically do [in my research] is
to develop computer programs,
based on a [mathematical] model,
in order to compare
the outcome of a model,
in which I basically work together
and which is being constructed and developed
with George Rupp of IST [Lisboa],
compare that outcome to experimental results.
My name is Eef van Beveren
and I am associate professor here
at the Faculty of Science and Technology
of the University of Coimbra [Portugal].
What they [in experiment] essentially do is,
within a certain space [interaction region],
to provoke collisions between electrons and positrons.
These are beams with many electrons and positrons.
For us [but not for the electrons] those beams seem very thin,
of the order of maybe one millimeter or even less.
Most of the particles simply don't collide.
But sometimes a collision takes place.
In such collisions new particles may be created.
Those objects live for a very short time [0.00000000000000000000001 seconds]
and then they desintegrate [into lighter particles].
It is the decay products which are caught [by the experimental detectors].
I am convinced that the most important [result of our research]
[is the discovery] of the Higgs particle of strong interactions.
This particle [E(38)] is the lightest nuclear particle!
[Consequently], it is a very special particle.
It's a particle which finds its origin
in the unification of electromagnetism and strong interactions.
What we are [usually] doing is, basically,
to compare predictions of different theories
with the outcomes of our model.
And what we discovered [in the past],
based on experimental results
which, unfortunately, have a poor resolution,
is that our predictions
are far better than whatever other approach
to quark-antiquark systems [mesons].
The most important result [of our quark-antiquark model]
is the observation that there exists a vibration rhythm
of the movement of quarks and antiquarks
which is universal,
that is, the same for a system of light quarks
as for a system of heavy quarks.
In our day-to-day work we use the gadgets [electricity, mobile phone, internet, ...]
of discoveries made up to hundreds of years ago.
The scientists in those days
had no idea where their discoveries would lead to.
I myself will never see
the practical applications
of the new technologies resulting from my work.
But I'm confident applications will be found,
and that those new technologies
will allow future generations to conquer the universe,
to travel to other planets,
and start new lifes far away from our planet.