Saúl Beceiro Novo, Ph.D.
I am an experimental nuclear physicist working on active target detectors, reactions with exotic beams, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and inclusive physics education.
About
My work connects frontier nuclear physics research with international collaboration, detector development, and evidence-based physics education.
Scientific profile
Scientific Advisor: INTERA
I specialize in experimental nuclear physics, with a focus on active target detectors, reactions with exotic beams, and applied nuclear techniques. My research spans experimental nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, detector instrumentation, neutron imaging, environmental radiation measurements, and radon detection and mitigation.
Educational profile
Alongside my research, I develop inclusive, accessible physics curricula and active-learning environments for large introductory physics courses, especially for students in the life sciences and related fields.
Research
My research program is centered on exotic nuclei, nuclear reactions, and instrumentation for experiments at modern radioactive-beam facilities.
Applications: neutron imaging & radon mitigation
Applied nuclear techniques for neutron imaging, environmental radiation measurements, and radon detection and mitigation, connecting fundamental research with societal and technological impact.
Experimental nuclear astrophysics
Studying nuclear reactions relevant to astrophysical environments, including processes connected to nucleosynthesis and explosive stellar scenarios.
Active target detectors
Developing and applying active target time projection chambers for low-energy nuclear physics and rare-isotope experiments.
Nuclear structure
Using direct reactions, breakup reactions, and solenoidal spectrometers to probe exotic nuclei and their underlying structure.
Applications
A central part of my work connects nuclear physics methods with practical applications in environmental monitoring, imaging, and radiation protection.
Neutron imaging
Development and application of neutron-based imaging methods for non-destructive studies, materials analysis, and nuclear technology applications.
Radon detection & mitigation
Applied work on radon detection, environmental radiation monitoring, and mitigation strategies to support public health and radiation safety.
Scientific advising
I serve as a scientific advisor for INTERA, a company specializing in radon detection and mitigation, supporting the connection between nuclear science, environmental radiation, and real-world implementation.
Selected projects
Current and recent projects combine experimental nuclear physics, detector development, and applied nuclear technology.
Nuclear physics and technology applications
Environmental radiation measurements and neutron imaging. GAIN, Xunta de Galicia, 2024–2027. Principal Investigator.
Exotic nuclei with R3B and SOLARIS
Study of exotic nuclei using R3B and SOLARIS experiments at Universidade da Coruña. Spanish State Research Agency, 2023–2027. Principal Investigator.
Active Target Time Projection Chamber
Development of an Active Target Time Projection Chamber. National Science Foundation, USA, 2009–2012.
Selected publications
I have authored 79 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Physical Review Letters, Physics Letters B, Physical Review C, Nuclear Instruments and Methods A, and Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics.
Teaching & curriculum
I design physics learning environments that combine active learning, open educational resources, accessibility, and evidence-based pedagogy.
Courses
- Classical Mechanics
- Quantum Physics
- Electromagnetism
- Introductory physics for life sciences
DATA Labs
Designed the Design, Analysis, Tools, and Apprenticeship Labs for PHY251/252, supporting active learning for more than 600 students annually.
Open education
Developed open-access learning materials, including The Mystery of the Physical World and free homework resources for introductory physics students.
Mentorship & service
Mentoring students, teaching assistants, and early-career researchers is central to my academic work.
Mentorship
- Supervised or mentored more than 500 undergraduate students.
- Mentored more than 200 graduate teaching assistants.
- Mentored more than 300 undergraduate learning assistants.
- Supervision and thesis committee service at UDC and MSU.
Leadership & service
- Founding Director, FiTNAE Research Group, Universidade da Coruña.
- Chair, R3B High Resolution Spectrometer Working Group.
- Vice-Chair, R3B Active Targets Working Group.
- Member of scientific and academic committees in nuclear physics and higher education.
Awards & honors
Recognition for teaching, open education, accessibility, STEM pedagogy, and academic excellence.
Contact
I welcome inquiries about nuclear physics collaborations, detector instrumentation, student supervision, physics education, and invited lectures.
Email: saul.beceiro@udc.es
ORCID: 0000-0003-2295-473X
Google Scholar: Profile
Affiliations: UDC · FRIB · MSU · AIMS Senegal