Broadening our understanding of the scientific possibilities available through the EIC

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) under construction at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will be a powerful machine with unique capabilities that will uncover fundamental features of sub-atomic matter at distance scales much smaller than the size of a proton. The aim of the BNL EIC Theory Institute is to broaden and deepen our understanding of the scientific opportunities that will be made possible by the EIC. Towards this end, a primary goal of the Institute is a vibrant and diverse program of short-term, mid-term and long-term visitors who would enrich and complement EIC research (broadly defined) being conducted at BNL.

The BNL EIC Theory Institute collaborates closely with the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science (CFNS) at Stony Brook University in organizing programs, workshops, meetings, and schools that will involve visitors to the Institute. A major goal of the Institute is to mentor and engage early career scientists from diverse backgrounds in performing research in EIC science and to broaden its appeal across sub-fields of physics.

Visitor Program

The visitor program of the BNL EIC Theory Institute provides financial support for short-term (< 1 week), mid-term (< 2 weeks) and long-term (1 month or longer) visits. Qualified applicants will be selected by the Steering Committee in consultation with an external Advisory Board. Applications for short and mid-term visits will be considered on a rolling basis.

The BNL EIC Theory Institute hosts a dedicated program for students and post-doctoral fellows to visit and interact with scientists at BNL and Stony Brook, and to participate in workshops, meetings, and schools. The Theory Institute warmly welcomes international visitors. It is important that they satisfy BNL's visitor requirements and can secure visas if necessary.

The BNL EIC Institute will offer one of the graduate student or post-doc applicants the opportunity to deliver the Fanyi Zhao Memorial Lecture. Fanyi Zhao was a visitor to the BNL EIC Theory Institute who sadly passed away in early 2024. More information about Dr. Zhao's life and work.

Long-term visitors also known as Scholars-in-Residence, are encouraged to assist in organizing workshops, meetings, and schools, and to deliver lectures on their expertise either at BNL or at Stony Brook in collaboration with CFNS. The Scholars-in-Residence must have a current faculty or staff affiliation.

The EIC Theory Institute strongly encourages faculty from historically underrepresented institutions to apply. We note that in addition, BNL offers a visiting faculty program in all research areas of the laboratory, which increases the research competitiveness of faculty members and their students at historically underrepresented institutions by providing research experiences at a Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory.

The EIC Theory Institute offers generous support to its visitors which can include local expenses, rental car and local transportation coverage as well as domestic and international airfare, based on need and availability.

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a number of facilities for our visitors. This includes the option of both on-site and nearby off-site accommodation, with shuttle service available from the latter. In addition, regular shuttles are available to Stony Brook University and to the Long Island Railroad with train service to New York City.

For those traveling with family members BNL offers a brand-new Childcare Center for drop-in care for infants up to pre-school aged children. For families visiting in the summer, there is a summer camp onsite for children ages 5 and up (subject to availability). A gym is also available onsite with an indoor swimming pool.

In addition to its proximity to New York City, BNL is located close to both the North and South Forks of Long Island with many nearby local attractions such as Long Island Sound, Ocean Beaches, and over 30 Wineries, as well as towns and villages of varying size with local shops and restaurants.

For more visitor information, visit the BNL Guest Services website.

Additional questions regarding the EIC Theory Institute Program can be answered by contacting Raju Venugopalan directly at rajuv@bnl.gov or Bjoern Schenke at bschenke@bnl.gov.

We are now accepting applications for visits from January 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. The deadline for applying is November 15, 2024 and decisions will be announced by November 30, 2024. We will however consider additional applications on a rolling basis based on availability and length of visit.

Select your application

Faculty or Staff Scientist Application

Student or Post-doc Application