Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory of strong interactions, which are responsible, among other things, for the existence of atomic nuclei. These interactions are indeed powerful – they provide the destructive force behind atomic bombs and the life-giving energy of the Sun. They also govern a wide range of processes in the realm of elementary particles, where quarks and gluons – the smallest structures known to us – play a key role.

Last weekend, physicists from the Department of Fundamental Research at NCBJ organized a workshop titled "Various Faces of QCD." This was the fifth edition of the biennial event, which aims primarily to discuss the latest theoretical and experimental findings concerning strong interactions. The workshop also serves as a platform for collaboration among Polish scientific institutions conducting research in this field. It is worth noting that the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) is a leading center in Poland – and one of the most prominent in Europe – for research on strong interactions and quantum chromodynamics.

The three-day workshop, held at the Heavy Ion Laboratory on the University of Warsaw’s Ochota campus, brought together nearly 60 physicists, primarily from Polish research institutions. Over 40 presentations were delivered, showcasing the diverse facets of quantum chromodynamics. Discussions covered topics such as the recently discovered exotic particle known as a "glueball" – formed, in a sense, by forces alone, without the involvement of matter, as well as the behavior of quarks within neutron stars and upcoming experiments. However, the greatest attention was devoted to the theoretical description of processes involving quarks and gluons. Although quantum chromodynamics was formulated over half a century ago, understanding its remarkably rich structure remains one of the greatest challenges in physics.