Symmetry in Theoretical Particle Physics and Hadron Physics
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2026 | Viewed by 67
Special Issue Editors
Interests: theoretical nuclear particle astrophysics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Symmetry principles, particularly Z3 center symmetry and chiral symmetry, play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions. These symmetries are central to the study of phase transitions in hot and dense QCD matter, impacting phenomena such as the early universe, neutron stars, and heavy-ion collisions. The restoration of chiral symmetry at high temperatures and densities is directly linked to the properties of hadrons and the equation of state, while Z3 symmetry, associated with the confinement–deconfinement transition, is key to understanding quark–gluon plasma formation and its astrophysical implications. This Special Issue aims to explore the impact of these symmetries on the QCD phase diagram, the deconfinement and chiral phase transitions, and their relevance to neutron star mergers, compact star cooling, and the early universe’s thermal history. Contributions employing lattice QCD, effective field theories, relativistic mean-field models, functional methods, and holographic QCD to study these transitions are particularly encouraged. Additionally, studies addressing the interplay between symmetry restoration, color superconductivity, topological effects, and exotic phases of QCD in astrophysical environments are welcomed.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Dr. Joaquin Grefa
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- Z3 center symmetry and confinement
- chiral symmetry restoration
- phase transitions in hot and dense QCD
- neutron stars
- heavy-ion collisions
- QCD phase transitions
- color superconductivity
- lattice QCD
- RMF models
- neutrino transport
- in-medium mass of hadrons
- equation of state
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
