Saúl Beceiro Novo, Ph.D.
I am an experimental nuclear physicist working at the intersection of exotic nuclear systems, detector instrumentation, and real-world applications such as neutron imaging and radon detection and mitigation.
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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.
In addition to my regular teaching at Universidade da Coruña, I collaborate in teaching activities at Michigan State University and contribute to the AIMS Senegal Structured Master Program in Mathematical Sciences, supporting international graduate education in physics and related disciplines.
Research
My research program is centered on exotic nuclei, nuclear reactions, and instrumentation for experiments at modern radioactive-beam facilities.
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. Co-Principal Investigator.
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
- Nanotechnologies for the Energy Transition
- Physics for non-science majors
- DATA Labs — Design, Analysis, Tools, and Apprenticeship Labs for PHY251/252, supporting active learning for more than 600 students annually
- Studio Physics → (inquiry based active learning)
Open education & textbooks
I actively develop and contribute to open educational resources (OER) in physics, focusing on accessible, high-quality materials for students in the life sciences.
Research group & students
I work with students and collaborators across nuclear physics, detector instrumentation, applied nuclear techniques, and physics education.
FiTNAE Research Group
I am part of the Nuclear and High Energy Physics and Technology (FiTNAE) research group at Universidade da Coruña, based at CITENI in Ferrol.
The group focuses on experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, and technological applications, including the study of nuclear reactions with exotic beams, detector development, and applied nuclear techniques.
Research activities span:
- Experimental nuclear physics and nuclear structure
- Reactions with exotic beams and active target detectors
- Radiation detector development (gas and solid-state detectors)
- Neutron imaging and environmental radiation measurements
- Radon detection and radiation protection applications
- High-energy and particle physics (including LHCb-related work)
The group combines fundamental research with industrial and societal applications, particularly in radiation measurement, environmental monitoring, and nuclear technology.
Current students
Neutron imaging
- Harriet Kumi
- Miguel Saez
Radon studies
- Wilmer Camero
- Emilio Lima
Machine learning
- Junior Castillo
Physics Education Research
- David Ramsey
Interested in joining?
I welcome motivated undergraduate and graduate students interested in exotic nuclei, detector instrumentation, neutron imaging, radon mitigation, or physics education research.
International collaborations
My research is supported by a broad international network of collaborations across leading universities, national laboratories, and large-scale facilities.
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.
Service to the Community
My service activities focus on academic governance, international representation, and the promotion of education, culture, and scientific collaboration.
🏛 Michigan State University
Senator — College of Natural Science
I serve as an elected Senator representing the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University, contributing to shared governance, academic policy, and institutional decision-making processes.
🌍 Spanish Representation Abroad
CRE Chicago & CGCEE Representative
Member of the Consejo de Residentes Españoles (CRE) for the Consulate of Spain in Chicago. I also serve as a representative in the Consejo General de la Ciudadanía Española en el Exterior (CGCEE), focusing on the commission for education, culture, and sports.
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: CITENI · Campus Industrial · UDC · FRIB · MSU · AIMS Senegal