Physicists in this field observe, measure, interpret, explain, and model some of the most exotic phenomena known to exist, or theorized to exist, in nature. The goal of elementary particle physics research is to identify the fundamental building blocks of nature (elementary particles) and understand the interactions (fundamental forces) that exist between them.

Research in this field directly impacts our understanding of nature small and large: from sub-nuclear quarks (including the recently discovered top quark) to black holes. It is at the heart of the search for answers to mysteries such as the origin of the universe (and its eventual fate), the paucity of anti-matter in the universe, the origin of mass, and the distributions of matter throughout the universe.

To find out more, take a "clickable" tour:

• Particle Adventure, from the Contemporary Physics Education Project.

• The Science of Particle Physics, from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.