The Theoretical Physics Division (TPD) of IHEP has established itself as an internationally recognized research center in particle and nuclear physics theory and has been listed as one of the top priorities in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Project scheme.

The TPD’s research covers the frontiers of particle physics, medium and high energy nuclear physics, particle astrophysics and cosmology. It focusses on exploring the fundamental structure of matter, fundamental interactions, and the origin and evolution of our universe. Current topics of research include neutrino physics, TeV physics, cosmology, heavy flavor physics (charm and B physics), hadron physics, computational calculation of perturbative field theory, lattice QCD, RHIC physics and QCD phase transitions, gravitation and relativity, string theory, and mathematical physics.

The TPD’s work is closely related to the physics goals at large accelerator facilities around the world. In particular, it has made a lot of important theoretical contributions to the experiments done at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPC), the Daya Bay neutrino experiment, and other facilities for particle astrophysics and cosmology.

In IHEP’s future development, the TPD should play an important role in providing theoretical support for the experiments run at new generation scientific facilities and in international collaboration projects. Meanwhile, the TPD will actively explore and cultivate new growth points in theoretical physics, strengthen links with experiments, and strive for breakthroughs in areas of strength.