Parton Distributions in the Higgs Boson Era

Abstract

Parton distributions are an essential ingredient of the LHC program. PDFs are relevant for precision Standard Model measurements, for Higgs boson characterization as well as for New Physics searches. In this contribution I review recent progress in the determination of the parton distributions of the proton during the last year. Important developments include the impact of new LHC measurements to pin down poorly known PDFs, studies of theoretical uncertainties, higher order calculations for processes relevant for PDF determinations, PDF benchmarking exercises with LHC data, as well as methodological and statistical improvements in the global analysis framework. I conclude with some speculative considerations about future directions in PDF determinations from the theory point of view.

11 pages, 5 figures, write-up of the plenary talk at the XXI International Workshop on Deep-Inelastic Scattering and Related Subjects (DIS2013), Marseille, 22-26 April 2013