In the annals of Indian scientific endeavors, the trajectory of Nuclear Physics emerges as a testament to the nation’s relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation. The evolution of this field from its nascent stages to the current era has been marked by significant milestones, collaborative ventures, and an unwavering commitment to cutting-edge research.
The roots of Nuclear Physics research in India trace back to the early 1920s when pioneers like D.M. Bose, S.K. Ghosh, M.N. Saha, and others laid the groundwork for experimentation and theoretical advancements. From the inception of cloud chambers and the use of photographic emulsion plates to the discovery of exotic nuclei and the development of theories explaining nuclear energy levels, the journey of Nuclear Physics in India has been rich in pioneering contributions.
The post-independence era ushered in a phase of substantial growth and expansion in this scientific discipline. The establishment of significant research institutions like the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) played pivotal roles in fostering research excellence. This period witnessed the commissioning of accelerators, cyclotrons, and research reactors across the country, marking a significant leap in India’s capabilities to delve deeper into nuclear phenomena.
Throughout the 1960s to the 1980s, collaborative efforts between universities, research institutions, and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) further propelled the advancements in Nuclear Physics. Initiatives such as the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) and the UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research not only catalyzed research but also facilitated international collaborations, amplifying India’s presence on the global scientific stage.
The subsequent decades witnessed a paradigm shift with India’s active engagement in large-scale international experiments and collaborations. Participation in projects like WA93 and WA98 at CERN, collaborations with the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) facility, Large Hadron Collider (LHC) facility, and others underscored India’s commitment to exploring frontiers in nuclear science on a global platform. The establishment of the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) and the development of the tokamak ADITYA highlighted India’s foray into high-temperature plasma research.
The turning point arrived in December 2020 when the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India set the stage for a new chapter in Nuclear Physics. The formation of six Working Groups to prepare the Mega Science Vision (MSV) document(s) aimed to chart a course for India’s Nuclear Physics landscape from 2020 to 2035. The comprehensive mandate encompassed assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, articulating the need for new Mega Science projects, aligning them with national scientific goals, and proposing effective evaluation and funding mechanisms.
This concerted effort, drawing upon the expertise and contributions of a substantial fraction of the Nuclear Physics community in India, signifies a collective commitment to steer the field towards greater heights. The MSV-2035-Nuclear Physics envisages leveraging past investments, fostering international collaborations, nurturing homegrown initiatives, and translating fundamental research into tangible applications.
This strategic roadmap not only calls for a modest increase in research funding but also holds the promise of enabling young scientists to assume leadership roles in global Nuclear Physics research. It aims to address fundamental scientific queries while nurturing a pool of talent that can spearhead the nation’s technological advancements in the long run.
In essence, the trajectory of Nuclear Physics in India has been a saga of relentless pursuit, collaborative synergy, and visionary endeavors. As the country charts its course towards 2035, the commitment to scientific excellence and innovation in Nuclear Physics stands poised to shape India’s scientific landscape and contribute significantly to global scientific advancements.