Current Status of LHC Physics: Precision Theory View

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state of LHC physics with an emphasis on the importance of precise theoretical predictions for QCD and EW corrections to fully utilize existing and future LHC data.

Contribution

It highlights the need for significant improvements in theoretical predictions and discusses strategies to enhance the accuracy of LHC physics analyses.

Findings

Current theoretical predictions need substantial improvement.

Enhanced precision is essential for maximizing LHC discovery potential.

Strategies for improving theoretical accuracy are proposed.

Abstract

We discuss the current status of LHC physics from the perspective of precision theory predictions for the attendant QCD and EW higher order corrections. We focus on the interplay between the available data and the predictions for these data viewed in the context of the establishment of baselines for what is needed to exploit fully the discovery potential of the existing LHC data and the data expected by the end of the second LHC run (i.e., 300fb$^{-1}$). We conclude that significant improvement in the currently used theoretical predictions will be mandatory. Possible strategies to achieve such improvement are indicated.