Physics research relies increasingly on the use of large facilities. The construction and operation of these facilities represent an increasing fraction of the funding for research. The most often calls for international collaborations. Since large facilities are now of great importance in all domains of physics, it is instructive to consider them in parallel. This is what is done in this book which puts emphasis on large physics facilities in Europe whilst taking a worldwide perspective.

Physics research relies increasingly on the use of large facilities. The construction and operation of these facilities represent an increasing fraction of the funding for research. The most often calls for international collaborations. Since large facilities are now of great importance in all domains of physics, it is instructive to consider them in parallel. This is what is done in this book which puts emphasis on large physics facilities in Europe whilst taking a worldwide perspective.