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Field of Research and Education
Within my research group, we explore Fundamental Physics under extreme conditions using Gravitational waves emitted by compact stars. In particular we study neutron stars to probe properties of dense matter beyond the reach of terrestrial experiments such as nuclear laboratories or particle accelerators.
I teach graduate school courses on diverse topics, for example Quantum Physics, Statistical Mechanics and High energy Astrophysics.
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is a premier research institute in India with international reputation in the field of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology. It strives to be a centre of excellence which promotes research and teaching in these domains at universities and institutions across India.
What are the main challenges faced by this research institute?
has helped me keep updated with the state-of-the-art developments in the field and to My institute is highly supportive and provides excellent facilities for research in theoretical astrophysics. There are challenges of working in the emerging field of Gravitational wave astronomy of Neutron Stars, for which the research community exists mostly outside India. However, being part of many international collaborations conduct research at par with the rest of the world.
Open access to exceptional profiles
LIGO: Theorists and Experimentalists
I am a theoretical astrophysicist, and I don’t directly work with experimental physicists. However gravitational wave astrophysics requires researchers from multi-disciplinary domains to work in collaboration for a successful detection, data analysis and physics interpretation.
You were recently recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University and Elsevier.
Reception following this remarkable recognition
I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition. Although it is difficult to put a measure on the contributions in Fundamental Science with an index, it is heartening to have some acknowledgement of our achievements in research. It motivates us to work harder with more passion and dedication.
Given the major breakthroughs in astrophysics, particularly since the detection of gravitational waves in September 2015 through LIGO,
Advice to young researchers
The discovery of gravitational waves has opened up a new window to astronomy, allowing us to probe the universe beyond the scope of telescopes. Gravitational wave science presents many opportunities for students in multidisciplinary domains in astronomy, fundamental physics, engineering as well as computation. My advice for students would be to explore the various opportunities presented by this emerging field of astronomy to find what interests them the most in order to decide on a future career in this field
An institute open to the international community
« Science is meant to be shared because we learn better when we share and collaborate. » Dr. Sahra Kacimi, researcher at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Our institute does accept international masters interns and doctorate students. We have students from many countries visiting the institute from several weeks to months for exchange programmes. I am also proposing Indo-French grants to facilitate student exchange and to continue my research connections with France.
Let us remember that in India, the language for scientific research is mainly English. However there are also French institutes and other European institutes which are members of the Virgo Collaboration, which is a part of the global gravitational wave network.
Info
We recommend reading and listening to the interview conducted by the Odyssée Céleste Association :
Article de :
Mise en page web et propos recueillis par : Halim BENNADJA, chef de projet de l’Association Odyssée Céleste
Réponses de Debarati Chatterjee Professeure d’astrophysique à IUCAA
Date de réalisation : 15/10/2025
Copyright images/textes : association odyssée céleste /Debarati Chatterjee
