Welcome to the CERN-HEP-Challenge, an exciting hybrid hackathon bringing together the worlds of Quantum Computing and High Energy Physics (HEP)! This satellite event of the International Conference on Quantum Technologies for High-Energy Physics provides a unique platform for participants to showcase their skills, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities in this cutting-edge interdisciplinary field.

The variables (features) comprising a HEP analysis dataset are physical observables measured by a (particle) detector. These quantities characterize the physical phenomena studied in the context of a HEP experiment. Different experiments might be interested in measuring different observables. For example, some frequently measured quantities are the transverse momentum of the particles with respect to the particle beam axis, the total energy measured in the event, and the angles between the momenta of different particles; this list is by far exhaustive of what can and has been measured.

In contrast with their diversity, all these variables follow probability distribution functions which can be computed via a combination of analytical methods and numerical Monte Carlo simulations. However, the real physical features are not identical to the ones predicted by the theoretical simulation. The measured distributions are distorted by the finite resolution and limited acceptance of the detectors, among other subtle effects such as errors in the read-out electronics. Thus, the overall detector effects are taken into account via complex simulations that model the interaction of the produced particles with the different components of the detector. This process aligns the measured distributions with the theoretical expectation, up to some technically irreducible uncertainties.

This hackathon is an exceptional opportunity to:

Bring your passion for innovation and get ready to tackle some of the most fascinating problems in science today. We can't wait to see your groundbreaking ideas in action!