Nelson Ricardo de Freitas Braga

Nelson Ricardo de Freitas Braga serves as a Full Professor (Professor Titular) at the Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he maintains an active research program in theoretical physics. His office is located in room A-319/30, and he can be contacted at +55 (21) 3938-7918 or via email at braga@if.ufrj.br.

His primary research interests include:

• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics
• Dualities between String Theory and Gauge Theories
• Phenomenology of Strong Interactions

Professor Braga leads research within UFRJ's String Theory Research Group, exploring how string vibrations model elementary particles and how string theory might reconcile quantum mechanics with general relativity. His work examines extra dimensions (d=10 for superstrings) and their potential experimental signatures like mini-black hole formation in particle accelerators.

He has presented seminars internationally from 2004-2021 at prestigious institutions including the Steklov Mathematical Institute (Moscow), Erwin Schrödinger Institute (Vienna), and various universities across Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Portugal, demonstrating sustained research activity in theoretical physics.

His scientific recognition includes a CNPq Research Productivity Scholarship at Level 1B, one of Brazil's highest research distinctions awarded to established scientists with exceptional productivity. This scholarship level indicates significant contributions to advancing theoretical physics in Brazil.

Professor Braga also contributes to academic instruction at UFRJ, with teaching responsibilities documented on his institutional webpage, and has delivered educational content including a basic relativity class for mathematics freshmen in 2021.