Nuclear Theory for New Physics
Aula Renzo Leonardi - Villa Tambosi
Str. delle Tabarelle, 286, 38123 Villazzano TN
Villazzano
The combined “standard models” of fundamental interactions and cosmology leave a number of questions about the observed universe without answer. Outstanding puzzles include the origin and nature of neutrino mass, the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe, and the nature of dark matter. Low-energy processes involving neutrinos, hadrons, and nuclei have the potential to shed light directly or indirectly on some of these great mysteries. Given the potentially very high impact of the experimental program of electroweak and Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics with nuclei and the crucial need for the corresponding theory, we propose a DTP focused on ‘nuclear theory for new physics’.
Through lectures and problem-solving sessions this DTP will provide nuclear theory students the motivation and context for electroweak and BSM studies with nuclei as well as the basic theoretical and computational tools needed in these studies. This DTP aims to establish a common ground for nuclear theory students in different sub-communities interfacing in the study of electroweak and BSM physics with nuclei: phenomenology and effective field theory, lattice QCD, and nuclear structure. The concepts and tools presented at this DTP will prepare students to apply cutting-edge methodologies to challenging problems in the field and to identify new directions.
Supporting project and institutions
Organizers
-
Vincenzo Cirigliano (Institute for Nuclear Theory, University of Washington)
-
Heiko Hergert (Facility for Rate Isotope Beams, Michigan State University)
-
Emanuele Mereghetti (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
-
Saori Pastore (Washington University in St. Louis)
-
Maria Piarulli (Washington University in Saint Louis)
-
André Walker-Loud (LBNL & UC Berkeley)
Student Coordination
-
Vincenzo Cirigliano (Institute for Nuclear Theory, University of Washington)
Registration
Registration available from 12/01/2026 until 08/05/2026.
__________________________________
Applications for the ECT* DTP 2026 should be submitted electronically via the webform.
Application should include:
- Curriculum vitae
- Description of academic and scientific achievements
- Short letter expressing the applicant’s personal motivation for participating in the programme
In addition, a reference letter from the candidate’s supervisor, addressed to “Prof. Ubirajara van Kolck, Director of ECT*”, should be sent by email to –
Students are welcome to arrive on July 12th. The checkout time is fixed on August 1st.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The application collection will end on May 8th, when registration closes. Applicants will be notified of the selection results within the next two weeks.
A committee composed of the scientific Organizers and the Director of ECT* will select participants.
The selection criteria will cover both formal and merit aspects:
- compliance with the submission date
- completeness of the required documentation
- evaluation of merit measured on the basis of the CV, documented scientific achievements, and a letter of support
In order to promote the participation from under-represented groups in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas, ECT* may provide modular scholarships as a contribution to facilitate the attendance of selected candidates.
An additional requirement for this possible subsequent selection will be the consideration of participants based in underrepresented countries and with a certifiable lack of access to research funds at affiliating institutions.
PhD students and ECRs based in Trento are allowed to apply for DTP programs but are not eligible for financial support.