Physical Sciences 2009

“The kind of awards they (the Infosys Science • B.Sc. in Physics from Professor Padmanabhan has distinguished himself Foundation) have instituted I'm certain is going to go Kerala University with fundamental contributions to several areas a long way in instilling a sense of belonging in this • M.Sc. in Physics from of theoretical astrophysics. Through a series country. And, also to feel what we achieve here will be Kerala University of papers, he has shown that the link between Einstein's Theory of General Relativity and duly recognized and it is more appropriate because of • Ph.D. in Physics from thermodynamics is far deeper than suggested by the kind of international standing which these awards the Tata Institute of the early work done in the 1970s. This work opens Fundamental Research, are destined to occupy very soon.” a new perspective on gravity as an emergent Mumbai phenomenon and is expected to provide fresh Thanu Padmanabhan • Post doctoral research at insights into the nature of dark energy in the the Institute of Astronomy, Professor and Dean of Core Academic Programs of Inter‑University universe. University of Cambridge Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune

Tackling the origins of the universe

The problem was that Around the same time, there were mathematical inconsistencies between these Prof. Thanu Padmanabhan has A few hundred years later, the theory of quantum made major contributions to this mechanics showed two theories. In order to have Albert Einstein came up a unified theory that explains endeavor. His work has provided with the theory of relativity phenomena on the deeper insights into Einstein's This leads to an important microscopic level of atoms our universe, it is necessary to consequence : Scientists have Sir Isaac Newton's that explained gravity as theory of gravity using the and elementary particles align the theories explaining hypothesized that ‘dark energy’ theory of gravitation being more than a force language of thermodynamics, such as electrons, protons the macroscopic and the is what has led to the accelerated stated that all bodies that attracts objects at a specifically in terms of entropy and neutrons. microscopic. One of the expansion of the universe, as attract each other and distance. It defined gravity's and temperature which can be challenges in physics has been determined from observations. the attraction depends relationship to space and attributed to space‑time itself, and to combine the two theories Prof. Padmanabhan's research on the mass of the time. The general theory of shows that the physics of gravity and come up with a quantum has contributed to a better bodies. relativity describes the force theory of gravity. This is is similar to physics of a fluid or of gravity and the large‑scale elastic solid. It is emergent from understanding of the nature essential to our understanding of dark energy and holds the (macroscopic) structure of of the universe around us. deeper structures rather than a the universe. fundamental description by itself. promise for solving the key problem in theoretical physics today.

34 | Celebrating 5 years – Infosys Science Foundation