We are striving to produce PDFs based on theoretical predictions which are as close as possible to the quantities which are measured experimentally, including an estimate of the theoretical uncertainties involved. The motivation is to go beyond the current PDF determination which is based on fixed-order QCD theory, with no acccount of theory uncertainties.
A number of landark results has already been achieved. The inclusion of resummation in the theory used for PDF determination, which allows for a widening of the kinematic range of the data used and for an accurate assessment of the impact of resummation effects. The inclusion of photon-induced corrections, which allows the treatent of QED and QCD corrections on the same footing. The development of a fast interface for the full inclusion of electroweak corrections which will lead to PDF sets which can use data at the level of “dressed leptons”, close to what is actually measured. The development of a formalism for the systematic inclusion of theory uncertainties in PDF determination.
Directions of current research include the development of tools which will allow a full treatment of QCD up to N3LO and electroweak (EW) and mixed QCD-EW corrections up to NLO in PDF determination.