The LHCb collaboration at CERN continues to pioneer open science by releasing significant datasets to the public, offering researchers, educators, and enthusiasts around the world unprecedented access to data that fuels new discoveries and deepens our understanding of the universe.

In a landmark move on December 20, 2023, the LHCb collaboration made the entire Run I dataset publicly available. This dataset, comprising approximately 800 terabytes of data collected during 2011 and 2012, provides detailed information from proton-proton collisions. This treasure trove of data is invaluable for studying particle interactions and phenomena such as CP violation and rare decays​​.

To aid understanding, the samples come with extensive documentation and metadata, and a glossary explaining several hundred special terms used in the preprocessing. The data can be analyzed using dedicated LHCb algorithms, available as open-source software. We are pleased to make these data available for research, educational purposes, and non-profit applications. All data sets have digital identifiers (DOIs) for reference and citation. 

Following the success of the Run I data release, LHCb also opened up a significant portion of the Run II dataset. Collected from 2015 to 2018, this dataset encompasses various studies and measurements, particularly those involving beauty and charm quarks. The availability of Run II data supports ongoing research and enables more refined analysis of the properties and behaviors of fundamental particles​.

One of the standout moments from recent releases includes the first observation of the Bc+ meson decaying into J/ψπ+π0, reported on February 9, 2024. This observation is significant for understanding the interactions between heavy quarks​. Additionally, on March 26, 2024, the collaboration reported a major advancement in measuring D0−D0 mixing and CP violation. By combining data from both Run I and Run II, this measurement achieved a 40% improvement in uncertainty, offering new insights into these complex phenomena​.

These releases are not only a boon for professional researchers but also a tremendous resource for educators and students. By providing access to real-world data, CERN's open data initiative fosters hands-on learning and inspires the next generation of scientists. The CERN Open Data portal offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and tools to help users navigate and analyze the datasets effectively.

Looking ahead, the LHCb collaboration plans to maintain its open data policy, promising more releases as further data is collected and processed. These efforts underline CERN's and the LHCb collaboration's commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

For more details and to embark on your exploration of the LHCb open data, visit the CERN Open Data Portal.