Welcome to the Kang Research Group
Our group is dedicated to exploring some of the most profound questions in modern physics, with a particular focus on Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)—the theory that governs the strong force and underpins the structure of protons, neutrons, and other particles that form the visible universe. These interactions, characterized by the remarkable phenomena of asymptotic freedom and confinement, determine the behavior of nuclear matter and the forces that bind it together. By investigating these dynamics, we aim to understand the fundamental properties of hadrons and nuclei, including their mass, spin, and internal structure, as well as the emergent states of strongly interacting matter.
Our research falls under the [hep-ph] category on arXiv.org: high energy physics - phenomenology. This field of theoretical physics explores the observable consequences of fundamental particles, their interactions, and the phenomena that emerge from these interactions. Our work in QCD theory and phenomenology directly supports and guides major experiments at Jefferson Lab, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). We are part of the SURGE Collaboration, a Topical Collaboration in Nuclear Theory funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, as well as the California EIC Consortium. By bridging theory and experiment, we aim to unlock new insights into the strong interaction and the structure of nuclear matter.
Our research focuses on several key areas in theoretical high-energy nuclear and particle physics:
Our research builds on advanced theoretical frameworks, such as Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) and QCD factorization, to develop rigorous tools for studying QCD dynamics. In parallel, we leverage state-of-the-art computational methodologies, including quantum simulations and machine learning, to tackle real-time dynamics, non-perturbative challenges, and the analysis of complex datasets. These complementary approaches expand our understanding of the strong interaction and enable deeper insights into high-energy nuclear and particle physics.
The group is led by Professor Zhongbo Kang, a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA. Professor Kang is the recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty CAREER Award for his research contributions and has been recognized with the Teacher of the Year Award, i.e., the Abelmann Award for teaching excellence, for his commitment to teaching and mentoring. He is affiliated with the Mani L. Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics, the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE), and the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science (CFNS) at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Before joining UCLA, Professor Kang served as a staff scientist in the Theoretical Division (Group T-2) at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
We are committed to training the next generation of physicists. Graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates in our group gain hands-on experience in theoretical techniques, numerical simulations, and computational tools. Our alumni are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, national labs, and industry. We gratefully acknowledge support from:
- National Science Foundation
- Department of Energy
- CFNS of Stony Brook and Brookhaven
- UC Office of the President (UCOP)
For prospective graduate students, check out a recent introduction of our research program, presented to first-year students in 2023, or explore the Research page for more details. If you’re interested in joining our group, visit this page for application details.