The standard model and inflation from string theory

We review concrete attempts to derive both, the standard model and cosmological inflation from string theory. First, we describe a successful construction to obtain the realistic models from D-branes at orbifold singularities; the modular structure of this class of models is highlighted as well as the generic problem regarding moduli stabilization. Next, D-brane/antibrane inflation is revisited, pointing out the difficulties to achieve the slow-roll conditions necessary for inflation; we discuss the brane/antibrane bound state (branonium), emphasize the generic way to finish inflation via open string tachyon condensation, and the general problem of moduli stabilization also present in this case. This problem is then addressed following the GKP/KKLT scenario. This allows considering two very different models of inflation in which the inflaton field is either the brane/antibrane separation or the geometric modulus describing the size of the extra dimensions (racetrack inflation). The phenomenological aspects regarding the density fluctuations are considered and the spectral index is found to be within the experimentally allowed region in both cases. Although, depending on the model, the spectrum may be tilted or not. Having concrete models embedding the standard model is crucial for questions such as reheating after inflation. Open questions are mentioned at the end.