Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024 – 14:00 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Dr Verena Kain, accelerator physicist and data scientist at the Beams Department at CERN
Abstract
AI is without doubt radically transforming industry. Also science has picked up on AI with many successful applications in molecular biology, astrophysics, nuclear physics and particle physics. A comparable trend exists for accelerator physics and associated technologies. In this seminar we will go through a brief overview of what AI can do for particle accelerators, show what is trending and where the community is heading.
We will spend some time on algorithms for optimization and optimal control and will conclude with CERN’s vision for AI for its accelerator complex.
Biography
Dr Verena Kain is an accelerator physicist at CERN with a PhD in accelerator physics focusing on the LHC injection system, design of transfer line collimation, and machine protection systems. Since 2022 she is running the "Data Science for Beam Operation" section in the Beams Department at CERN. She is leading he CERN accelerator sector Machine Learning and Data Analytics Community Forum as well as the accelerator sector AI strategy task force.
Prior to this, Dr Kain held key roles, including overseeing the performance of the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) and Low Energy Ion Ring (LEIR), and leading commissioning efforts post-LHC Injector Upgrade for multiple CERN accelerators.
As the physicist in charge for the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) from 2014-2022, she made significant contributions in the field of new slow extraction techniques. Additionally, her responsibilities extended to overseeing the commissioning preparation and organization of six CERN accelerators following the LHC Injector Upgrade during CERN Long Shutdown 2. During this period, she introduced machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies into the control room, revolutionizing operational strategies and enhancing performance across the board.
Dr Kain has substantial experience commissioning and operating accelerators and large facilities. She was one of the Engineers in Charge during the commissioning and operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) from 2007 to 2013.
