High Energy Physics

After a brief introduction, where I review the properties of the \'good Dark Matter candidate\' and the status of accelerator, direct and indirect Dark Matter searches, I will show that a conclusive identification of DM particles can most likely be achieved only through a \'multidisciplinary\' approach, that combines together different detection techniques. I will place special emphasis on the upcoming Large Hadron Collider, and on the gamma-ray satellite GLAST (scheduled for launch on June 3, i.e. the day after the talk...)

The CERN Large Hadron Collider is nearing completion. Both the ATLAS and CMS experiments are being completed, and the accelerator is proceeding through cool-down to cryogenic temperatures in preparation for first beam. The timescales and prospects for first beam, collisions and physics will be discussed, and the early physics program of the LHC high PT experiments reviewed.