What are your research topics?
If dark matter in the universe is composed of elementary particles that have not been discovered yet, it is possible that billions of particles of dark matter flow through us every second. My research is aimed at investigating the properties of dark matter and how to detect it.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
The goal of basic research is to increase human knowledge. We are very familiar with the characteristics of the structure and interactions of ordinary matter. However, ordinary matter appears to make up only one-sixth of all matter in the universe – dark matter plays a more important role.
We do not yet know precisely what dark matter is or how it came to be in the early universe. Neither do we know whether there is a link between dark and visible matter.
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
I am inspired by the comprehensibility of nature. Basic research in theoretical physics offers a learning environment extending beyond individual phenomena and composed of analytical thinking, theoretical modelling and tools of computational science.
The methods used in the study of dark matter are also suited, for example, to understanding climate change, or the development of medical imaging techniques.
Kimmo Tuominen is the Professor of Theoretical Particle Physics at the Faculty of Science.