CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which starts up in 2008, will open a new energy frontier in particle physics and thereby a new window on the physics of subatomic scales. 
In explaining phenomena in this realm the Standard Model has been very successful.
There are however strong indications, coming from cosmology (dark matter, baryogenesis, inflation), from neutrino oscillations, and from theoretical considerations, that there is a theory beyond the Standard Model, implying new particles, forces and symmetries. In this program we aim to uncover this new theory, using three intertwined lines of approach that build on particular expertise in the Netherlands. These are (A) providing precise predictions and creating the tools thereto for LHC observables, (B) addressing the role of new sources of discrete symmetry (e.g. CP) in this context, and (C)  developing conceptual frameworks for the new theory, and providing descriptions of how the associated new particles would manifest themselves.
The advent of the LHC and the opportunity for discovery it offers, make this program very timely. It will allow the theoretical particle physics community in the Netherlands to maintain and even strengthen its prominent role in the global community. It will also maximize the scientific profits resulting from interactions of theorists with the experimental particle physics programs in the Netherlands.
To achieve these aims and profits,  the program has been structured to implement a high degree of cohesiveness among the members, who are distributed over 7 institutes. The PhD and postdoc positions are centered around well-defined projects that involve several of the perspectives A,B and C.  For most of the projects, senior scientists from multiple institutions take responsibility, thereby also broadening their expertise. Furthermore, monthly Theory Center meetings will bring the program members together at Nikhef, for lectures and tutorials, to foster further collaboration, interaction and discussion, also with theoretical cosmologists, other theorists, and experimenters. For PhD students this will provide a significant enhancement of the training, and a way to be active at the forefront of research in this field from the start of their projects. For postdocs, whose selection will be centralized, joining a coherent community will be an added attraction for high-quality applicants. For all, this structure should act as a multiplier of the expertise in the program towards achieving its aim.