ICTS

What are the dynamical properties of the strongly interacting nuclear matter formed in the early universe during pre-heating, now re-created in the heavy-ion collider experiments? How did it thermalize leading to the formation of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP)? These are some of the intriguing questions that have fascinated and at the same time challenged our knowledge of gauge theories, under far-from-equilibrium conditions.  Very few probes such as jets,  heavy quarks, and direct photons can detect such non-equilibrium initial states.  However, such hard probes also interact with the QGP and the subsequent hadronic phase in a typical heavy-ion collision event, making it difficult to extract the information these convey about the initial stages.  

This school aims at training PhD students and post-doctoral researchers in both foundational concepts and recent advancements in the understanding of hard-probes.  This interdisciplinary program will integrate experimental and ab-initio theoretical techniques on describing hard-probes with their phenomenological modeling in a typical collider event, thus offering a route towards understanding the non-equilibrium initial dynamics. Active student participation will be a core feature of this program supplemented by hands-on tutorials, and engagement with leading experts in this field of research. With an aim towards strengthening global collaboration and fostering an interactive learning environment, this program will build a knowledgeable research community within our country capable of addressing open challenges in the field and advancing our understanding of the properties of nuclear matter in and out of thermal equilibrium.

​Eligibility criteria: Applications are invited from PhD students and postdoctoral researchers whose research areas closely align with the themes of the program. Faculty participation will be by invitation only.

Accommodation will be provided for outstation participants at our on campus guest house.

ICTS is committed to building an environment that is inclusive, non-discriminatory and welcoming of diverse individuals. We especially encourage the participation of women and other under-represented groups.