The energy domain in which the phase transitions of QCD are expected to take place is currently being probed by different means, ranging from heavy-ion collision experiments to astrophysical observations. Nevertheless, the phase structure of strong interactions is still essentially an open problem. In this seminar, I will briefly discuss the theoretical and experimental status of some issues in this topic. Then I will present some effective-field theory results on effects from finite light-quark masses, isospin and baryonic chemical potentials, and finite volumes on the phase diagram, keeping close contact with lattice simulations and experiments whenever possible. I will also consider the dynamics of phase conversion via nucleation in the cold and dense regime and discuss astrophysical applications.

IPhT CEA