OHIO hosts international events focused on nuclear physics, astrophysics research

Ohio University hosted graduate students, professors and research scientists in nuclear physics and astrophysics from around the world in May for two important events.

On May 19-23, OHIO hosted the 2025 IReNA-CeNAM Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics Meeting, This prestigious event brought together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists and professors from national laboratories and universities across the globe to exchange ideas on cutting-edge topics in nuclear physics (theoretical and experimental) and astrophysics.

This year, 106 participants attended the conference at OHIO where they heard from expert speakers, attended panel discussions, took part in special events and toured OHIO facilities such as the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory.

The conference was made possible through travel support from the International Research Network for Nuclear Astrophysics (IReNA) and additional support from OHIO’s Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (INPP), the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office, Kontron, and Court Street Café.

• IReNA is a U.S National Science Foundation AccelNet Network that connects nine interdisciplinary research networks across four continents to foster collaboration, enhance research capabilities, and accelerate progress in science. One important component of IReNA is the training of students and other young researchers to prepare them for a broad range of STEM careers in science, industry, government, and national laboratories.
• CeNAM  is a collaborative network of scientists from different fields who work together to study how atomic nuclei shape the cosmos.

Each year the IReNA-CeNAM conference provides a platform for researchers in nuclear physics and astrophysics to share their work, participate in professional development programs and create new opportunities for collaboration.

Ohio University graduate students Michael Jeswald and Chirag Rathi served as co-chairs for the organizing committee for the event. In addition, Assistant Professor Andrea Richard and INPP Account Manager Rudina Woltz served on the organizing committee, which included faculty and staff members from universities and laboratories from around the world.

Third Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics Summer School

Image

Also in May, Ohio University hosted the Third Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics Summer School. Held May 13-17, the event was a great success, as 38 participants took part in the activities.

The annual event is designed for early-career scientists in nuclear physics, astrophysics and astronomy to strengthen their interdisciplinary expertise.

Open to undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, the program served as preparation for the 2025 IReNA-CeNAM Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics Meeting, which took place the following week.

Each year, the summer school focuses on topics such as nuclear theory, nuclear experiment, astrophysics theory, and astrophysics observation. Participants hear from highly-respected speakers, take part in hands-on activities and have opportunities to strengthen their network. The program is supported by IReNA.

Ohio University faculty member Andrea Richard and graduate students Andrius Burnelis and Bikash Chauhan and postdoctoral research associate Jane Kim worked with faculty, staff and graduate students from universities around the U.S. and the world in organizing the 2025 summer school. Burnelis served as the co-chair of the organizing committee along with Pranav Nalamwar from the University of Notre Dame.