The US Dark Matter Direct Detection Program

Recently, the joint HEPAP/AAAS DMSAG (Dark matter Scientific Assessment Group) outlined a strategy for the future of dark matter direct detection. I will discuss the motivations for dark matter detection, possible DM candidates from theory, and the variety of techniques proposed to push the search forward into the most interesting regimes of parameter space. These techniques include cryogenic detection, detection via noble liquids, and directional detection. Coupled with results from LHC in the next few years, we may be on our way to revealing the identity of the mysterious dark matter particle.