Rapid City Journal: Noem Tours Sanford Underground Laboratory at Homestake

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By: Unknown

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem toured the Sanford Underground Research Facility Thursday, June 5,, a lab 4,850 feet underground where sensitive physics experiments can be shielded from cosmic radiation, allowing for high-energy experiments to be conducted with accuracy.

"We appreciate the opportunity to give Representative Noem a firsthand look at the world leading science being performed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility," said Mike Headley, Executive Director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority and the Laboratory Director of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

"Every innovation, scientific discovery, or business venture starts with an idea," said Rep. Noem. "The difference in South Dakota as opposed to other states is that there's an environment, workforce, and community here that fosters the transformation from idea to invention. The exploration being done at the Sanford Underground Research Facility is groundbreaking and truly state of the art. I am confident it will put South Dakota on the map of scientific discovery."

The Sanford Underground Research Facility employs 125 individuals full-time at its facility in Lead. Researchers at the Lab will explore some of the most challenging questions facing 21st century physics, such as the origin of matter, the nature of dark matter, and the properties of neutrinos. Such efforts have been recommended in a recent report by the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5), which outlines the 10-year strategic plan for high-energy physics in the United States. A House panel will be investigating these recommendations further at a hearing on June 10 (learn more).

The facility also hosts experiments in other disciplines, including geology, biology and engineering.

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