Nuclear Effective Field Theories: Reverberations of the early days

TL;DR

This paper reflects on the history and development of nuclear effective field theories over the past 30 years, highlighting key issues and the influence of Steven Weinberg's ideas.

Contribution

It provides a historical perspective on the evolution of nuclear effective field theories and discusses ongoing challenges in the field.

Findings

Historical insights into the development of EFTs

Discussion of unresolved issues in nuclear EFTs

Recognition of Steven Weinberg's influence

Abstract

Effective field theories are recognized nowadays as the framework to describe low-energy nuclear structure and reactions consistently with the underlying theory of the strong interactions, QCD. It was not always so. As we celebrate the 30 years of the first publications, I collect here some memories from those early days. I also discuss some of the key issues that were raised back then and, despite all progress, are still with us. Dedicated to the memory of Steven Weinberg, whose ideas will not die, wherever they may lead.