AdS/CFT is a duality between two seemingly different theories: Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and conformal field theory (CFT). This duality is important because it allows us to study difficult problems in one theory by translating them into simpler problems in the other theory. It has also provided important insights into the nature of quantum gravity and the connections between different areas of physics.
No, a background in CFT or SUSY is not necessary to study AdS/CFT. However, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of quantum field theory and general relativity.
There are many resources available for beginners, including textbooks, online lectures, and review articles. Some recommended resources include "AdS/CFT Correspondence: Einstein's Theory of Gravity and the Conformal Field Theory" by Ammon and Erdmenger, the online course "AdS/CFT Correspondence" by Juan Maldacena, and the review article "The AdS/CFT Correspondence: Applications to QCD and Condensed Matter" by Natsuume.
Here are a few tips:
One common misconception is that AdS/CFT provides a complete description of quantum gravity. In reality, it is a useful tool for studying certain aspects of quantum gravity, but it is not a complete theory in and of itself. Another misconception is that AdS/CFT only applies to high-energy physics, when in fact it has been used to study a wide range of phenomena in condensed matter and other areas of physics.