The study of the properties of hadrons based on their structure described by quarks, antiquarks and gluons and their strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. The theory describing the structure of hadrons is Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), a theory whose exact solution has not yet been possible since its formulation in 1973. 

There are currently two main lines of research in the study of the structure of hadrons, on the one hand effective models or theories that incorporate mechanisms that describe approximately the properties and symmetries of QCD. Another line of action is the numerical solution of the theory by means of complex computer calculations called QCD on the lattice, since the spacetime is discretised on a lattice, and an attempt is made to find a solution of the theory on this lattice. 

Our work follows the first line, i.e. the modelling of QCD. Within this scheme of studying hadrons and their properties, several regimes are investigated:

• Short distances: by studying deeply inelastic processes. In recent years this study has focused on the description of generalised pattern functions (GPD) and transverse momentum distributions (TMD). These quantities, which allow access to the structure of the proton and pions, are being measured experimentally and lead to observables whose theoretical analysis helps us to understand the non-perturbative properties of QCD. 
• Intermediate distances: the primary interest here is in understanding the hadronic spectrum. The number of hadrons, as can be seen in the Particle Data Group compendium, is enormous. But they all seem to consist of five valence quarks (antiquarks): u,d,s,c,b, since the t quark (antiquark) is so heavy that it does not have time to bind. Our work consists of analysing the spectrum to understand the interaction between quarks that gives rise to hadrons. From this phenomenological interaction we try to learn properties of QCD. In recent years, the possible existence of so-called exotic states, multi-quarks and glueballs, have required our special attention. Gluons are also part of the description of QCD and gluons have self-couplings, therefore they could give rise to states of only valence gluons called glueballs and in the last years we have been intensively devoted to them. Our study consists of analysing the structure and possible decays of hadrons in order, by comparing with experimental data from laboratories around the world, Belle BaBar, Bes, to draw consequences for the fundamental interaction. We are also engaged in predicting future processes to be observed in the future FAIR accelerator and its PANDA detector. The contrast of theoretical and experimental data allows us to understand the interaction of quarks and gluons with each other and their strong, electromagnetic or weak decay channels through the properties of the spectrum: masses and decay widths. 
• Large distances: hadron-hadron interaction. Nuclear physics is governed by the interaction between hadrons. Due to a property called confinement, quarks and gluons cannot appear free, they must always be bound together to form hadrons. However, they must be the cause of the observed interaction between hadrons, in particular between the proton and the neutron to form atomic nuclei. Our work consists in explaining the interaction between hadrons from the interaction between quarks.
• Hadronic matter at high temperatures and densities: interactions between heavy ions allow us to study hadronic matter outside normal conditions, which are now available in accelerators such as RHIC and LHC, and it is expected that hadronic properties different from normal ones will indicate possible QCD phase transitions.

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