International nuclear physics research collaboration

Unlocking the Secrets of the Atom: How Nuclear Physics Impacts Our World

Lena Voss in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Delving into the International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) and its impact on modern science."

The International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) serves as a crucial meeting point for minds pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Established 15 years ago by the nuclear physics community at the Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia), the conference unites theoreticians and experimentalists specializing in low-energy nuclear physics.

The primary goal of NSRT is to facilitate international collaboration among physicists and promote the exchange of ideas and findings. NSRT has evolved from a series of conferences and schools focused on nuclear structure, previously held in Dubna and Alushta (Ukraine) during the 1970s and 1980s.

The 6th NSRT Conference (NSRT12), held at the Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics from July 3rd to 7th, 2012, drew 124 participants from 19 countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of shared learning and discovery.

The NSRT Conference: A Deep Dive into Current Research

International nuclear physics research collaboration

NSRT12 offered a comprehensive program closely aligned with ongoing research in low-energy nuclear physics at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). The conference showcased several prominent themes, including microscopic models for nuclear excitations based on energy density functionals. These models provide detailed descriptions of how nuclei behave and interact, contributing to our fundamental understanding of nuclear structure.

Another key area of focus was the study of dipole nuclear excitations at various energies. These excitations, which involve the collective motion of protons and neutrons within the nucleus, play a crucial role in nuclear reactions and the absorption of electromagnetic radiation. Researchers also presented new findings related to large amplitude nuclear motion, which describes the dramatic shape changes that nuclei can undergo during fission or collisions.

Theoretical and experimental studies of nucleus-nucleus collisions at intermediate energies, shedding light on the dynamics of nuclear reactions and the formation of new elements.
The exploration of cluster features in reactions and nuclear structure, examining the tendency of nucleons (protons and neutrons) to group together within the nucleus, influencing its stability and properties.
Each topic explored during the conference was covered through theoretical discussions and experimental data, providing a rich and multifaceted view of the current state of nuclear physics research.

The active participation of young researchers enriched the conference atmosphere. Presenting new results from the Technical University, Darmstadt and from Orsay, Milano and Dubna, these emerging scientists injected renewed enthusiasm and new perspectives.

Cultural Enrichment and Future Directions

Beyond the scientific sessions, NSRT12 included a cultural program that enhanced the overall experience for participants. A boat trip down the Volga River offered a serene break and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Russia. The excursion to Pereslavl-Zalessky, an old Russian town, provided a glimpse into the country's rich history and cultural heritage, with its ancient gold-domed churches, monasteries, and nunneries along Lake Pleshcheyevo.

The NSRT12 Conference was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, the Heisenberg - Landau (Germany-JINR), the Votruba - Blokhintsev (Czechia-JINR), and Bogoliubov - Infeld (Poland-JINR) Programs, highlighting the collaborative nature of modern scientific endeavors.

As the conference concluded, organizers expressed their anticipation for NSRT15, looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to continue the vital work of exploring the complexities of nuclear structure and related topics.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT)?

The International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) is a triennial event. It serves as a crucial meeting point for physicists. The primary goal of NSRT is to facilitate international collaboration among physicists and promote the exchange of ideas and findings in the field of low-energy nuclear physics. This conference brings together both theoreticians and experimentalists. Its establishment, 15 years ago, came about from the nuclear physics community at the Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia).

What is low-energy nuclear physics, and why is it important?

Low-energy nuclear physics is a specific area of study within nuclear physics. It focuses on the behavior and interactions of atomic nuclei at lower energy levels. The International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) heavily emphasizes this area. This includes studies like microscopic models for nuclear excitations based on energy density functionals, dipole nuclear excitations, and large amplitude nuclear motion. It's significant because understanding these phenomena is essential for a complete understanding of nuclear structure and the dynamics of nuclear reactions.

What were some of the key topics discussed at the 6th NSRT Conference (NSRT12)?

The 6th NSRT Conference (NSRT12) covered themes related to ongoing research at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). These included microscopic models for nuclear excitations based on energy density functionals, the study of dipole nuclear excitations, and large amplitude nuclear motion. Other key topics involved theoretical and experimental studies of nucleus-nucleus collisions at intermediate energies and the exploration of cluster features in reactions and nuclear structure. These themes are important as they represent active areas of research that advance the understanding of nuclear structure, reactions, and the fundamental properties of matter.

What are microscopic models for nuclear excitations based on energy density functionals?

Microscopic models for nuclear excitations based on energy density functionals are theoretical frameworks used to describe the behavior of atomic nuclei. These models provide detailed descriptions of how nuclei behave and interact. The International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) highlights these models, contributing to the understanding of nuclear structure. They are significant because they help physicists understand the forces within the nucleus and predict the behavior of nuclei under various conditions.

Why is the International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) significant?

The International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT) is important because it brings together scientists from different countries, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The conference, which includes young researchers, offers a platform to share findings in low-energy nuclear physics. This event contributes to advancing the understanding of nuclear structure, reactions, and the properties of matter. The NSRT12 also included cultural activities such as a boat trip on the Volga River and an excursion to Pereslavl-Zalessky, enhancing the overall experience.