Theory
TRIUMF’s Theory Group studies a broad range of topics in subatomic physics, including nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, hadronic physics, and elementary particles. The Theory Group also provides guidance and support to the TRIUMF experimental program and acts as a theoretical center for the broader Canadian subatomic theory community.
research areas
Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Physics investigates the structure of nuclei and their interactions. Every nucleus consists of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons bound together by the strong force. Depending on the number of protons and neutrons, a nucleus can be stable or it can decay into lighter nuclei. Two nuclei can also combine to form a heavier nucleus when they collide. These processes are very important for astrophysics, and it is the transformation of one type of nucleus to another that provides the energy source for the sun and other stars.
Hadronic Physics
The protons and neutrons that make up nuclei consist of even smaller objects called quarks and gluons, also bound together through the strong force. (You’re probably beginning to see a pattern here!)
Collectively, objects made up of quarks and gluons are called hadrons, which includes protons and neutrons as well as many other exotic particles such as mesons. The goal of Hadronic Physics is to understand and predict the properties of hadrons based on the underlying structure of the strong force.
Particle Physics
Particle Physics attempts to discover the fundamental building blocks of our universe. These attempts connect with the mass and structure of the Higgs boson, the unknown nature of dark matter, and the mystery of the excess of matter over antimatter.
Group Members
Research Scientists
Emeritus Scientists
John Ng
Postdoctoral Research associates
Graduate Students
Antoine Belley
John Coffey
Michael Gennari
Maude Larivière
Afif Omar
Ricky Mizuta
Marina Stefanyk
Employment opportunities
The Theory Department expects to have openings for Postdoctoral Research Fellows in theoretical subatomic physics starting in September 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to contact one of the Theory Department members listed under ‘Group Members’.
For other TRIUMF employment opportunities, please visit the Careers page.