Workshop on QCD Critical End Point and Effective Field Theory methods 2026 

We propose a 4-day C3NT workshop in 2026 on the QCD Critical End Point (CEP) and Effective Field Theory (EFT) approaches for non-equilibrium, strongly interacting QCD matter near criticality. The goal is to bring together leading experts and young researchers to (i) clarify the current theoretical status of CEP searches and constraints, (ii) sharpen EFT frameworks for near-critical dynamics and fluctuation observables, and (iii) accelerate theory–experiment connections relevant for RHIC BES-II and future measurements.

The workshop will host ~40–60 participants, combining a small number of senior international speakers with strong China-based participation. We request C3NT approval in principle and confirmation of one feasible 4-day date slot within the proposed windows so that invitations can be finalized.

Scientific Motivation and Goals:

Locating and characterizing the QCD Critical End Point remains a central challenge for strong-interaction physics, connecting heavy-ion phenomenology, event-by-event fluctuations and correlations, and non-perturbative QCD dynamics. Extracting robust physics from fluctuation measurements requires controlled theoretical frameworks for critical dynamics, non-equilibrium evolution, and finite acceptance/freeze-out effects.

Effective Field Theory provides a systematic language to connect microscopic dynamics to universal long-wavelength behavior, and to formulate effective descriptions of fluctuations and transport near phase transitions, including non-equilibrium critical dynamics. Recent progress in Hydro+ / stochastic hydrodynamics, EFT constraints, and data-driven inference makes this an ideal time for a focused workshop.

This workshop aims to:

1. Clarify the state of the art in CEP searches and theoretical constraints;
2. Identify where EFT can reduce model dependence in interpreting experimental data;
3. Foster collaboration between CEP and EFT communities;
4. Support young researchers in China through targeted discussions and mentoring.

Topics and Scope:

• CEP phenomenology: fluctuation observables, cumulants, acceptance effects, non-equilibrium dynamics, freeze-out modeling
• EFT near criticality: universality, dynamical critical phenomena, Hydro+ / stochastic hydrodynamics, matching and constraints
• EFT for dense QCD and hadronic matter: chiral EFT, functional methods, effective models with controlled limits
• Bridging theory and experiment: pipelines for comparison to BES/BES-II data and future measurements
• Methods: lattice constraints, functional renormalization group, transport approaches, Bayesian inference and emulator frameworks

Registration:

The onsite registration is on XXXXX, 2026 at hotel. The registration fee is XXXX Chinese Yuan for faculty members and postdocs and XXXX Chinese Yuan for students.

Accommodation:

International Advisory Committee:

Local Organizer: 

Navid Abbasi (LZU)

Shi Pu (USTC)

Yi Yin (CUHK)

Sponsors: 

C3NT

Lanzhou University

University of Science and Technology of China