Dear Colleagues,

Just a couple of days from the Christmas break, it is with pride and satisfaction that I look back on 2014, marked by your intense work in all areas of the department. 

As the LS1 is coming to an end after an almost two-year stoppage of LHC data taking and a long programme of consolidation, upgrades and improvements, the experiments are receiving their final touches from highly-dedicated teams. Collaborations are eagerly waiting for the startup of Run 2 in Spring 2015, which promises exciting times, with collisions of unprecedented energy.

The PS and SPS restarted this summer and some of the non-LHC experiments are already up and running. First results are very encouraging and promise interesting physics in the months to come.

All the Support Groups have been instrumental to the experiments activities in 2014 and throughout LS1, providing their expertise in a wide range of domains.

The Theory Group are also looking forward to the new experimental data that will allow higher precision measurements and potentially bring first hints of physics beyond the Standard Model.  

I want to thank you all for your contributions and for the dedication you have shown to the Department. 

I wish you the best for a creative and exciting new year.

Warmest wishes,

Livio Mapelli