She searches for the unknown, on her way to the next big discovery, with immense precision and boundless enthusiasm: Ludovica Aperio Bella, particle physicist in DESY's ATLAS group since 2020. "My focus is on analysing the data from the ATLAS experiment at CERN," says the Italian scientist. "My research concentrates on precision measurements of fundamental particles and their interactions at the high-energy precision limit." This year, she will be honoured with the Bjørn H. Wiik Prize for her work.

Bjørn H. Wiik-Preisträgerin Ludovica Aperio Bella. Bild: DESY

"With her outstanding analyses of precision tests of the standard model of particle physics, Ludovica Aperio Bella has achieved the world's best results in areas in which no one would have expected the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest accelerator at CERN, to do so," says Jörg Rossbach, Chairman of the Wiik Prize Committee, explaining the decision. Ingrid-Maria Gregor, head of the ATLAS group at DESY, says: "I am incredibly proud that the prize goes to Ludovica Aperio Bella - and that it also honours LHC research at DESY."

A glimpse into Ludovica Aperio Bella's complex work and her thoughts: "Despite its success, the Standard Model (SM) is incomplete. It does not explain gravity, dark matter or dark energy - phenomena that we know make up the majority of the universe. Nor can it fully explain the imbalance between matter and antimatter in our universe." She follows up with an enthusiastic and inspiring ‘nevertheless’. "Nevertheless, the SM is essential because it is the basis for our high-energy physics community to develop a more complete understanding of the universe. I believe that the Standard Model is the starting point for exploring new physical possibilities beyond any limits."

The internationally renowned expert is passionate about her research and is already inspiring the next generation of researchers. Her goal? "To make a significant discovery that challenges the standard model and paves the way for new research paths. I have this drive to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and make a significant contribution to our understanding of the universe."

In recognition of this, the particle physicist is now being honoured with the Bjørn H. Wiik Prize. "A great surprise and an incredible honour. Awards are not the main motivation for my work, but they certainly give me a good feeling and confirm and encourage me. That's why I'm really grateful - and thrilled." The 3000-euro prize is DESY's most important science award. It is awarded at the DESY DAY on 13 November in memory of Bjørn H. Wiik, former Chairman of the DESY Board of Directors, who died in 1999. With her work, this year's prizewinner follows in the tradition of Wiik's research. Ludovica Aperio Bella: "His achievements have advanced experimental physics and laid the foundation for our daily work today."