Research in theoretical elementary particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology will include studies of possible new particles predicted by `supersymmetry` (which relates the constituents of matter to the basic forces), the origins of the highest energy cosmic rays, the nature of the Dark Matter which makes up most of the mass of the Universe, and problems of interest concerning the four basic forces of nature. Attention has focussed recently on several ways in which supersymmetry may be hidden from discovery because the new particles related which it predicts, although light enough to be produced in existing accelerators, have very subtle signatures. Thus it is extremely important to find ways to infer their existence. The properties of the highest energy cosmic rays suggest they may in fact be new particles, whose understanding could shed light on supersymmetry as well as quasars. Quasars are objects which were especially populous in the early universe and are thought to be enormous black holes accreting the surrounding galaxy. The studies to be undertaken are important to furthering our understanding of both the cosmos and the basic forces.
