FRIB hosted the FRIB Theory Alliance (FRIB-TA) topical program titled “The path to superheavy isotopes” 3-14 June. 

Thirty-three participants joined to address the current challenges creating superheavy elements. This included exploring new methods for populating this region of the periodic table using modern theoretical tools. The program also concentrated on research that can be studied along the pathway to the superheavy region, including reactions only possible at rare-isotope beam facilities like FRIB.

Theorists and experimentalists in nuclear structure and reactions attended the conference, and participants ranged from undergraduate students to faculty members.

This is the ninth FRIB-TA topical program, which started in 2018 and are hosted at FRIB. The topical programs bring together theorists and experimentalists to address issues relevant for FRIB. The researchers discuss issues, identify strategies, and collaborate on solutions. At the end of each program, the researchers produce a deliverable.

The FRIB Theory Alliance (FRIB-TA) is a coalition of scientists from universities and national laboratories who seek to foster advancements in theory related to diverse areas of FRIB science; optimize the coupling between theory and experiment; and stimulate the field by creating permanent theory positions across the country, attracting young talent through the national FRIB Theory Fellow Program, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and shepherding international initiatives. Learn more at the FRIB-TA website.