Speaker
Description
Since 2018, the ProtoDUNE programme at CERN has been the cornerstone of the DUNE development effort, providing large-scale prototypes where detector technologies, infrastructure, operational procedures, and analysis and calibration techniques are tested and validated under realistic conditions. With two generations of prototypes already successfully operated and a third generation in preparation, ProtoDUNE has been fundamental in reducing technical risks and establishing the guidelines for the construction and operation of the DUNE far detectors. Beyond its technological mission, ProtoDUNE has delivered a rich physics programme: neutrino, beam and cosmic-ray data have provided valuable insight into detector response, reconstruction performance, and hadronic interactions, all of which are essential to achieving DUNE's scientific goals. This plenary talk will review the status and achievements of the ProtoDUNE programme and discuss its future role in maximizing the scientific reach of DUNE.
