The Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) held its second international assessment from June 13^th to 15^th. A review committee of international experts was invited to assess IHEP’s overall international standing and core competencies, vision and development strategy, personnel training and development, and institute management, both from an international perspective and considering China’s current needs as a nation.

Chaired by Prof. Barry Barish, one of the Nobel Physics Prize Laureates in 2017, the review committee consisted of 18 world-renowned scientists, each of whom has important international influence and rich experience in managing first-class research institutes.

During the three-day on-site review, the committee heard 20 presentations and reports on the overall status of the institute and on the status of progress in the five priority development areas and seven priority cultivation areas. Visits to the research facilities and laboratories and meetings with staff and students were also arranged.

The committee gave a diagnostic assessment of the various research foci within IHEP’s key research fields (particle physics and astrophysics; accelerators; and multidisciplinary research and applications), from the point of view of research quality, research significance, user satisfaction, and personnel and support structures.

On the afternoon of June 15^th, the committee presented its preliminary findings and advice to IHEP management. The overall operation, mission and planning of the institute was evaluated as “A” class. The committee spoke highly of the research progress IHEP has achieved during the past five years and also listed some challenges for its future development, which include innovative high-technology development, training of talented staff, students’ education, and international collaboration in large science facilities.

The review committee is expected to submit a final written report after the on-site review. The institute management will refer to these final opinions and take steps to improve accordingly.

The review committee toured IHEP laboratories (Image by IHEP)