Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform fundamental physics and provide insights into the universe's fate, as noted by Cern's future director general, Prof. Mark Thomson, who will take office on January 1, 2026. He highlights that machine learning is facilitating significant advancements in particle physics, akin to the AI-driven predictions of protein structures recognized with a Nobel Prize. At the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), sophisticated methods are employed to detect rare events that could explain how particles gained mass after the big bang and assess the universe's stability. Thomson emphasizes that these developments represent substantial improvements, transforming the field by using complex AI techniques to tackle intricate data issues, similar to those in protein folding. This momentum comes as Cern advocates for the Future Circular Collider, a proposed 90km facility that would exceed the LHC’s capacity. Despite skepticism about the affordability of the $17 billion project and the LHC's recent lack of groundbreaking results, Thomson asserts that AI enhances the quest for new physics, with expectations for major discoveries post-2030 due to a planned upgrade increasing the LHC's beam intensity tenfold. One pivotal measurement involves observing two Higgs bosons simultaneously, allowing scientists to study the Higgs particle’s self-coupling—crucial for understanding how particles acquired mass shortly after the big bang.

Thomson, initially doubtful about this capability, is now optimistic about making significant measurements. This understanding of Higgs self-coupling could reveal whether the Higgs field has reached a stable state or if a future, drastic transition is possible, a scenario aligned with some predictions of the Standard Model. However, experts like Dr. Matthew McCullough reassure that such events wouldn't threaten humanity anytime soon. Thomson also notes that AI is integrated into various LHC operations, enhancing data collection and analysis. As the LHC generates around 40 million collisions per second, AI aids in quickly determining which events are noteworthy. This has enabled scientists to achieve more with their data than previously thought possible, marking at least two decades of advancement in just ten years due to AI's contributions. Moreover, while dark matter remains elusive, generative AI can facilitate broader explorative questions regarding unknown aspects of the data, thus potentially aiding the search for this mysterious substance believed to constitute much of the universe.