SMARTHEP: training PhD students in real-time analysis at the LHC and in industry

TL;DR

SMARTHEP is an innovative training network that equipped 12 PhD students with skills in machine learning and real-time analysis for high-energy physics and industry, fostering new research directions.

Contribution

The paper introduces the SMARTHEP training program, highlighting its unique approach to interdisciplinary education and its impact on PhD training in big science and industrial applications.

Findings

Enhanced skills in machine learning and real-time analysis among PhD students.

Positive feedback from students, supervisors, and external observers.

Emerging research themes and future directions identified.

Abstract

In this invited Editorial for Software and Computing for Big Science, we describe the SMARTHEP Innovative Training Network funded via the Marie Sk{\l}odowska-Curie Actions between 2021 and 2025. SMARTHEP trained 12 PhD students to advance machine learning and real-time analysis in high-energy physics experiments and industrial applications. We present the perspective of students, supervisors, and external observers of the network, concerning the work done within the network, the added value compared to ``typical'' PhD positions, and the emerging themes and directions from our experiences in the past four years.