Scientists from Sussex are working to unlock the secrets of the universe in the world’s most famous experiment.

Physicists from the University of Sussex are carrying out research using the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.

The 27km underground machine is designed to show academics a glimpse of the smallest building blocks of life to help understand the Big Bang and other scientific mysteries.

They are working at the famous CERN laboratory, featured in the conspiracy theory novels of Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown.

Dr Antonella De Santo, who is leading the Sussex group on the project, called ATLAS, said: “With first collisions expected in a matter of weeks, experimental particle physics is set to enter a new golden era.

“There couldn't be a better time to join ATLAS, one of the most exciting physics endeavours for generations.

“It's just great that Sussex can be part of it."