Electroweakino constraints from LHC data

We investigate the sensitivity of existing LHC searches to the charginos and neutralinos of the MSSM when all the other superpartners are decoupled. In this limit, the underlying parameter space reduces to a simple four-dimensional set $\{M_1,\,M_2,\,\mu,\,\tan\beta\}$. We examine the constraints placed on this parameter space by a broad range of LHC searches taking into account the full set of relevant production and decay channels. We find that the exclusions implied by these searches exceed existing limits from LEP only for smaller values of the Bino mass $M_1 \lesssim 150$ GeV. Our results have implications for MSSM dark matter and electroweak baryogenesis.Comment: 30 pages, 15 figure

Extending LHC Coverage to Light Pseudoscalar Mediators and Coy Dark Sectors

Many dark matter models involving weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) feature new, relatively light pseudoscalars that mediate dark matter pair annihilation into Standard Model fermions. In particular, simple models of this type can explain the gamma ray excess originating in the Galactic Center as observed by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. In many cases the pseudoscalar's branching ratio into WIMPs is suppressed, making these states challenging to detect at colliders through standard dark matter searches. Here, we study the prospects for observing these light mediator states at the LHC without exploiting missing energy techniques. While existing searches effectively probe pseudoscalars with masses between 5 - 14 GeV and above 90 GeV, the LHC reach can be extended to cover much of the interesting parameter space in the intermediate 20 - 80 GeV mass range in which the mediator can have appreciable Yukawa-like couplings to Standard Model fermions but would have escaped detection by LEP and other experiments. Models explaining the Galactic Center excess via a light pseudoscalar mediator can give rise to a promising signal in this regime through the associated production of the mediator with bottom quarks while satisfying all other existing constraints. We perform an analysis of the backgrounds and trigger efficiencies, detailing the cuts that can be used to extract the signal. A significant portion of the otherwise unconstrained parameter space of these models can be conclusively tested at the 13 TeV LHC with 100 fb$^{-1}$, and we encourage the ATLAS and CMS collaborations to extend their existing searches to this mass range.Comment: 27 pages + 3 appendices, 20 figures, 7 table

Providing the framework for exploration and creation of knowledge in a DProf programme

As the introductory contribution to the Middlesex Symposium Dr Annette Fillery-Travis will critically engage with the pedagogical design of the Professional Doctorate Programme as a framework for reflective dialogue between advisory team and candidate that facilitates the exploration and creation of actionable knowledge within the practice of both (Brockbank and Mc Gill, 2006). The Professional Doctorate at Middlesex University has developed over the last fifteen year with over 180 candidates either graduated or currently studying. It is an individually negotiated programme where the primary resource for the candidate is the one to one support of the academic advisor and the consultant. Within this paper the workbased learning design of the programme is described and its essential features which enable individual change to occur and the programme to provide high level professional development. I then consider the passionate and creative advanced practitioners that engage with the programme and how their practice is knowledge producing and validating in its own right enabling it to be described as epistemic. The engagement of these practitioners with research and enquiry is considered and specifically the relational aspects of both the focus of the research and the interaction with the supervisory team. Finally the Professional Doctorate is considered in light of whether it is a vehicle for co-creation of actionable knowledge as defined by Antonacopoulou (2010). The result is not straightforward and requires a consideration of both the power distribution and leadership of the research activity. In the following contributions to this symposium two advisor-candidate pairs will discuss their experience in this doctoral programme. Hopefully this paper will have provided some context to the challenges they have experienced and the co-created knowledge they have produced

Contracting within the business coaching relationship - a guide and a cautionary tale!

In this white paper we explore the limited research available on contracting - the setting up, use and monitoring of the business coaching relationship. We do not try to develop a standard coaching contract as that would be too constraining for the majority of business coaches- each contract must be customized to the client's requirements. Instead we provide a list of factors that should be considered in developing an effective contact

Exploration of the potential role of professional doctorates in practitioner accreditation within professional associations

In this paper I ask whether Professional Doctorates (either through new research or through Public Works) have a role or contribution to make within individual accreditation by professional bodies at advanced (Fellowship) levels

Unravelling an Extra Neutral Gauge Boson at the LHC using Third Generation Fermions

We study the potential to use measurements of extra neutral gauge bosons (Z') properties in pp collisions at the Large Hadron Collider to unravel the underlying physics. We focus on the usefulness of third generation final states (tau, b, t) in distinguishing between models with non-universal Z'-fermion couplings. We present an update of discovery limits of Z's including the 2010-2011 LHC run and include models with non-universal couplings. We show how ratios of sigma(pp -> Z' -> ttbar), sigma(pp -> Z' -> bbbar), and sigma(pp -> Z' -> tau^+tau^-) to sigma(pp -> Z' -> mu^+mu^-) can be used to distinguish between models and measure parameters of the models. Of specific interest are models with preferential couplings, such as models with generation dependent couplings. We also find that forward-backward asymmetry measurements with third generation fermions in the final state could provide important input to understanding the nature of the Z'. Understanding detector resolution and efficiencies will be crucial for extracting results