With all respect I do not agree with your example for the lhc . For two reasons primarily: The first has already been mentioned about various groups and experiments / detectors. The second, I think is more important. In order to claim discoveries at any of those experiments certain statistical constraints must be met. The 5 sigma rule is by its very nature garnered by repetition and is a necessary because of the nature of quantum mechanics and particle physics. Here is a write up on cern and 5 sigma http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2012/07/does-5-sigma-d...