Puzzles, Progress, Prospects: pre-Summary for the Quark Matter 2009 Conference

TL;DR

This paper provides an overview of recent advances and future prospects in relativistic heavy ion physics, emphasizing the importance of quantitative rigor in experimental and theoretical research.

Contribution

It offers an annotated guide to key figures and points from a comprehensive talk on the state of the field at Quark Matter 2009.

Findings

Advances in relativistic heavy ion physics due to increased quantitative rigor

Identification of key challenges and prospects in the field

Summary of recent experimental and theoretical progress

Abstract

The new millennium's qualitative advances in relativistic heavy ion physics are in part due to, and are in part causing, a new appreciation for quantitative rigor in both experimental and theoretical work in the field. In these proceedings for the conference-opening "pre-Summary" talk I present an annotated guide to the figures and points made in my talk.