Proton–nucleus collisions at the LHC: scientific opportunities and requirements

Proton–nucleus (p+A) collisions have long been recognized as a crucial component of the physics program with nuclear beams at high energies, in particular for their reference role to interpret and understand nucleus–nucleus data as well as for their potential to elucidate the partonic structure of matter at low parton fractional momenta (small-x). Here, we summarize the main motivations that make a proton–nucleus run a decisive ingredient for a successful heavy-ion program at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and we present unique scientific opportunities arising from these collisions. We also review the status of ongoing discussions about operation plans for the p+A mode at the LHC.