SCIPP's scientific and technical staff are and have been involved in several cutting edge research projects for more than 25 years, in both theory and experiment. The primary focus is particle physics and particle astrophysics, including the development of technologies needed to advance that research.^[1] SCIPP is also pursuing the application of those technologies to other scientific fields such as neuroscience and biomedicine. The Institute is recognized^{[citation needed]} as a leader in the development of custom readout electronics and silicon micro-strip sensors for state-of-the-art^{[citation needed]} particle detection systems. This department has several faculty associated with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) or the ATLAS project at CERN.

There are many experiments being performed at any time within SCIPP but many center on Silicone Strip Particle Detectors and their properties before and after radioactive exposure. Also many of the faculty work on monte carlo simulations and tracking particles within particle colliders. Their most prominent project in recent history has been the development of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) which searches the sky for Gamma Ray Bursts.

Notable faculty include:^[2]

• Anthony Aguirre, theoretical cosmologist
• Tom Banks, c-discoverer of M(atrix) theory in string theory
• George Blumenthal, astronomer, chancellor of UCSC
• Michael Dine, high-energy theorist, recipient of Sakurai prize, physics department chair
• Howard Haber, theoretical particle physicist, recipient of Sakurai prize
• Piero Madau, recipient of Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics
• Joel Primack, quantum field theorist and cosmologist, director of AstroComputing Center
• Constance Rockosi, chair of astronomy department
• Terry Schalk

• SCIPP @ UCSC