Particle physics is the study of the fundamental particles in our universe and their interactions. Our best understanding of these fundamental particles and interactions is encapsulated by the Standard Model of particle physics.
While remarkably successful in predicting the data so far, we have reasons to believe that the Standard Model is not the complete description of nature. Incorporating neutrino masses, a description of gravity, and the nature of dark matter (if it is of particle nature) are some of the open questions which indicate that phenomena beyond the Standard Model exist in nature.

Research in experimental particle physics entails measuring the properties of existing particles and searching for new particles and interactions not described by current knowledge. Particle physicists devise the equipment to generate and collect the necessary data, and then analyze this data to probe the fundamental properties of our universe. The experimental particle physics group at IISER, Pune focuses on the search for new particles not included in the Standard Model of particle physics.