Rashad Hamidi
رشاد حميديPhD Researcher — Theoretical Physics
Integrable Models · String Theory · Supersymmetry
My primary research interests lie in integrable systems, supersymmetry, and string theory. I am particularly focused on exploring integrable sigma models, their deformations, and their connections to higher-dimensional gauge theories such as 4d Chern-Simons theory. My work involves studying the mathematical structures underlying these models — including quantum groups and Yang-Baxter equations — and investigating their physical applications. I am currently a PhD student in the Mathematical and Theoretical Physics group at Durham University, supervised by Prof. Ben Hoare. Expected completion: August 2026.
PhD — Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
Doctoral research on integrable sigma models, their deformations, and connections to 4d Chern-Simons theory. Supervised by Prof. Ben Hoare. Focus: quantum groups, Yang-Baxter equations, and the mathematical structures underlying integrable systems.
Twists of Trigonometric Sigma Models
Peer-reviewed journal article co-authored with Prof. Ben Hoare. Constructs and classifies integrable 2d trigonometric ℤN-twisted σ-models via the 4d Chern-Simons framework.
doi:10.1007/JHEP08(2025)090Poster — Integrability, Dualities and Deformations (IDD25)
Poster presentation: ‘Integrable 2d trigonometric ℤN-twisted σ-models.’ International conference on integrable field theories and string theory dualities.
Talk — North British Mathematical Physics Seminars (74th Edition)
‘Twists of trigonometric sigma models.’ Contributed talk at the long-running NBMPS series, presenting main PhD research results to the UK mathematical physics community.
Teaching Assistant
Teaching across 10 modules spanning 5 terms: Discrete Mathematics, Analysis I, Maths for Engineers & Scientists, Single Mathematics A & B, Mathematical Physics II, Special Relativity & Electromagnetism II.
Online Talk — High-Energy Physics for Palestine Seminars
‘Integrable models from 4d Chern-Simons action.’ Talk delivered to the HEP for Palestine community, connecting recent research to the broader physics community in solidarity.
MSc in Particles, Strings and Cosmology (Distinction)
One-year masters with Distinction. Covered QFT I & II, QED, Supersymmetry, General Relativity, String Theory, Conformal Field Theory, Standard Model, Scattering Amplitudes, AdS/CFT. Thesis: ‘BTZ Black Hole: Holographic Duality, Entropy, and AdS₃/CFT₂’ (supervised by Prof. Nabil Iqbal).
Global Masters Scholarship
Competitive merit-based scholarship awarded by Durham University to fund MSc studies. Alongside: STFC Scholarship (2022) for PhD research.
BSc in Physics (Minor: Mathematics) — Distinction
Four-year honours degree with Distinction. Coursework spans Classical/Quantum/Computational Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Astronomy, Nanophysics, and full Mathematics minor. Thesis: ‘Fractional Quantum Mechanics’ (supervised by Prof. Sayyed-Ahmad). On the Honor List for all 8 consecutive terms (Fall 2017 – Spring 2021).
Astronomical Observatory Tour Guide
Led public observatory tours, operated the main telescope for planets/stars/nebulae/galaxies, delivered accessible astronomy presentations, and co-organised public outreach events (eclipse viewings, meteor showers).
Talk — Physics Department Seminars
‘Fractional Quantum Mechanics.’ Departmental seminar presenting BSc thesis research to peers and faculty.
Origin — رشاد حميدي
From Palestine to the world. Physics begins with curiosity; resilience keeps it going. The wavefunction of Palestinian scholarship has never collapsed.
Skills & Expertise
Quick Facts
Awards & Scholarships
STFC Scholarship
Durham University · 2022
MSc Distinction Certificate
Durham University · 2022
Global Masters Scholarship
Durham University · 2021
BSc Distinction Certificate
Birzeit University · 2021
Mosa Naser Scholarship for Physics
Birzeit University · 2018–2021 (×3)
Science Faculty Scholarship
Birzeit University · 2017/2018
Paltel Scholarship
Paltel Group · 2017
Honor Scholarship
Birzeit University · 7 terms
Honor Roll (8 consecutive terms)
Birzeit University · 2017–2021
Groups & Memberships
Conferences, Workshops & Schools
North British Mathematical Physics Seminars
6 editions: 75 Durham 2025, 74 York 2025, 72 Durham 2024, 71 York 2024, 69 Durham 2023, 66 Durham 2022
Integrability, Dualities and Deformations Conference
3 editions: Nordita 2025; Swansea 2024; Durham 2023
Integrability in Gauge and String Theory
2 editions: King's College London 2025; ETH Zurich 2023
Durham Hackathon (DurHack) 2024
Durham University, 2024
Paths to Quantum Field Theory Workshop
2 editions: Durham 2023, Durham 2022
Young Researchers Integrability School and Workshop
Durham University, 2023
Meteorology Conference
Birzeit University, 2020
Palestinian Advanced Physics School by Scientists for Palestine
Birzeit University, 2019
Condensed Matter Conference
Birzeit University, 2019
Hands-on Molecular Dynamics Workshop by Palestinian-German Science Bridge
Birzeit University, 2019
Computational Multiphysics Conference
Birzeit University, 2019
Physics Without Frontiers Workshop by ICTP
Birzeit University, 2017
Black Holes Conference by Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Birzeit University, 2017
Selected Coursework
MSc in Particles, Strings and Cosmology
Durham University
BSc in Major Physics Minor Mathematics
Birzeit University 🇵🇸
Course-Based Projects
BTZ Black Hole: Holographic Duality, Entropy, and AdS₃/CFT₂
Particles, Strings and Cosmology·Summer 2022
Fractional Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics·Spring 2021
Computational Planetary Motion
Computational Physics·Fall 2020
Many Body Problem
Computational Physics·Fall 2020
Cellular Automata
Computational Physics·Fall 2020
Interactive Visualization of the Logistic Map
Computational Physics·Fall 2020
Stellar Spectroscopy – Rigil, Betelgeuse and Sirius
Astronomy·Spring 2020
Magnetic Fluids
Nanophysics·Fall 2019
Vantablack – Optical Coating and 3D Light Microscopy
Medical Physics·Spring 2019
Referees
Open to Collaboration
I actively seek collaborations in integrable systems, sigma models, and related areas of mathematical physics. Also interested in outreach:
Get in touch