In a landmark recognition, eight scientists from Odisha-based institutions have been awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. The accolade, presented by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), celebrates their crucial contributions to high-energy particle physics during LHC Run-2, which concluded in July 2024.
The $3 million prize—one of the richest in science—honours 13,508 researchers globally for collaborative work that pushed the frontiers of understanding the universe’s fundamental forces.
Odisha’s Scientific Talent Shines Globally
Award-winning scientists from Odisha are affiliated with top-tier institutions in Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. Their research supported CERN’s flagship ALICE and CMS experiments, helping decode Higgs boson properties, subatomic particle interactions, and the mystery of matter-antimatter asymmetry.
Awardees from Odisha include:
*NISER, Bhubaneswar: Bedangadas Mohanty, Ranbir Singh, Sanjay Swain, Prolay Mal
*IIT Bhubaneswar: Seema Bahinipati
*Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar: Aruna Kumar Nayak, Pradip Kumar Sahu
*IISER Berhampur: Natasha Sharma
These scientists worked on analysing complex data from particle collisions at near-light speeds, revealing the extreme conditions that existed just moments after the Big Bang.
Recognition of Pioneering Physics Research
Prof. Bedangadas Mohanty shared, “The Breakthrough Prize trophy, had fun holding it today. Trophy molded into the shape of a toroid—natural forms found from black holes and galaxies to seashells and DNA coils. All due to immense contributions of researchers in four LHC experiments.” This symbolic design reflects the unity of cosmic and quantum phenomena that the awarded research seeks to understand.
Boost to Indian Science and Global Impact
The Breakthrough Prize underlines how advancements in particle physics could fuel innovation in quantum computing, energy technologies, and medical diagnostics. These findings help decode the universe’s fundamental laws and enable practical solutions in emerging tech.
Odisha’s prominent role in this global discovery signals a growing hub for high-energy physics research in India. It also serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of STEM students to pursue careers in cutting-edge science.
Odishatv.in reports that India’s collaborations with CERN are expanding. This will deepen the nation’s global scientific footprint. It will also place Indian researchers at the forefront of transformative breakthroughs.
