Department of Physics, University of Jammu, was recognized as part of international team awarded 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. The award is widely regarded as the “Oscars of Science.” This global recognition highlights India’s growing stature in cutting-edge scientific research and international collaboration.
Key Highlights
University of Jammu was part of the prestigious ALICE collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The High Energy Physics (HEP) Group from the Department of Physics at the University played a key role in this achievement.
The team included 6 faculty members, 1 postdoctoral researcher, and multiple research scholars.
Major Contribution:
- University of Jammu researchers significantly contributed to the design and development of the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD).
- This detector is crucial for studying the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) – a high-energy state of matter that existed moments after the Big Bang.
About Breakthrough Prize 2025
- Awarded to over 13,500 researchers from 70+ countries for their contributions to four major CERN LHC experiments: ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb.
- The recognition is based on data collected during LHC’s Run 2 (2015 to July 15, 2024).
- The prize celebrates groundbreaking research on the hottest and densest matter created in lab conditions.
- Total prize amount: $3 million.
Use of Prize Money
- CERN will utilize the funds to offer grants to doctoral students from member institutions.
- This will enable young researchers to spend time at CERN, gaining exposure to cutting-edge science, and returning with advanced expertise to their home countries.
Significance for India
- This global recognition marks a milestone for the Indian scientific community, boosting the reputation of the University of Jammu and promoting India’s contribution to global physics research.
- Reinforces India’s presence in international collaborations in fundamental science.