Theory Center

The Theory Center, established in the Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies, explores the microstructure of matter, the nature of spacetime, and the fundamental laws of nature. The center studies theoretical aspects of particles, nuclei, and the universe.

Particle Theory Group

The Particle Theory Group studies a wide range of subjects, from extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics, to string theory, a theory that attempts to unify the theory of spacetime (General Relativity) and the Standard Model. The group collaborates closely with experimental researchers.

Lattice QCD Group

The Lattice QCD Group studies the interactions of particles using very large computer systems. The computational physics involves simulating non-perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) on grids. The group collaborates with the particle interaction simulation group that analyzes accelerator experimental data.

Hadron, Nucleus, and Field Theory Group

This group studies a broad range of topics involving hadrons, nuclei, fields in QED, and beyond. Topics include: hadron interactions and high-energy hadronic scattering, the structure of nucleons and nuclei, quark-hadron matter, strange nuclei (nuclei which contain strange quarks), string theory, gauge theory, and problems and applications of quantum dynamics.

Cosmophysics Group

The Cosmophysics Group studies the large-scale structure of the universe. At this scale, gravity plays the [dominant][major] role. The group also works to explain observations in terms of the microstructure of particles, nuclei, and spacetime.