Nuclear Physics Consolidated Grant

核物理学是一门研究重而微小的原子核的学科，它位于所有原子的中心，占我们所见事物质量的99.9%。原子核形成了一个迷人的研究实验室，它介于两个极端之间，一种是只有少数粒子的系统，可以用第一性原理求解，另一种是有数千个粒子的系统，它们的性质可以用统计学方法处理。事实上，原子核是一种独特的介观量子系统，由两种相互作用的费米子组成，其中的潜在力鲜为人知。因此，它为试图预测原子核性质的模型提供了一个极其重要的试验场。原子核中的单个质子和中子可以强烈地决定原子核作为一个整体的性质。虽然核物理是一个成熟的领域，但它提出了一系列非常具有挑战性的问题，最近加速放射性光束的出现使这个研究领域重新焕发了活力。将我们对核物理学的理解应用到天体物理问题上越来越重要，它可以帮助我们理解恒星中的能量产生以及恒星爆炸中合成的重元素。目前的综合拨款代表了英国最大的核物理小组之一的共同努力。该活动以其深度和广度以及我们最近成立的理论小组对基础理论的强烈参与而闻名。

Nuclear Physics is the study of the heavy but tiny nucleus that lies at the centre of all atoms and makes up 99.9% by mass of everything we see. The nucleus forms a fascinating laboratory for study, falling between the extremes of systems with a handful of particles, which can be solved from first principles, and systems with thousands of particles whose properties can be treated statistically. Indeed, the nucleus is a unique mesoscopic quantal system that is composed of two types of interacting fermions in which the underlying force is poorly understood. As such it provides an extremely important testing ground for models that attempt to predict the properties of nuclei. The individual protons and neutrons in the nucleus can strongly dictate the properties of the nucleus as a whole. Although a mature field, nuclear physics poses an array of very challenging questions and the recent advent of accelerated radioactive beams has reinvigorated this research area. Increasingly important is the application of our understanding of nuclear physics to astrophysical questions, where it can help to understand energy generation in stars as well as the heavy elements synthesised in stellar explosions. The present consolidated grant represents the concerted efforts of one of the largest nuclear physics groups in the UK. The activity is notable for its depth and breadth, as well for the strong involvement of underpinning theory through our recently-established theory group.