The type of scientist who researches the very basic energy, matter, and fundamental forces of nature is a particle physicist.

Here's why:

* Particle physics is the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions.

* Fundamental forces are the forces that govern the interactions between particles, including the strong force, weak force, electromagnetic force, and gravitational force.

* Energy and matter are intertwined at the most fundamental level, described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc².

Particle physicists use high-energy accelerators and detectors to study the interactions of subatomic particles, searching for new particles and forces, and trying to understand the fundamental laws of the universe.