Abstract:

In the Standard Model, the Higgs mechanism is necessary for electroweak symmetry breaking, which gives masses to the weak vector bosons the $W^\pm$ and the $Z^0$. Supersymmetric theories provide a solution to the hierarchy problem and thus perhaps a more natural version of electroweak symmetry breaking. They also provide a connection with gravity. LEP2, the electron-positron collider at CERN, is the highest energy $e^+ e^-$ collider in the world. High energy data taken at energies now up to 202 GeV in the center-of-mass provide the best possibilities to search for the Higgs boson and supersymmetric particles. In supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model, a relatively low mass Higgs boson is required, making searches at LEP2 for the Higgs boson within the supersymmetric context even more important. Latest results of searches for the Standard Model Higgs boson, supersymmetric particles, and Higgs bosons in supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model will be presented.