Type of Activity:  Alumni Talk Date: 6th January, 2025 Time: 12:15 PM to 1.15 PM Details of Resource persons: Abhinaba Upadhyay, Doctoral Student, CERN, Geneva No. of Participants: 41

Key Highlights of the Talk

Abhinaba Upadhyay, drawing from his experiences at CERN, elaborated on the collaborative nature of scientific research and the vital role played by diverse academic disciplines in advancing fundamental physics. He emphasized that CERN is not exclusively for physicists; rather, it thrives on the contributions of experts from multiple fields, including engineering, computer science, material science, mathematics, and even life sciences. He illustrated how various specializations converge at CERN to facilitate research in particle physics.

Impact on the Audience

The talk captivated the 41 students and faculty members in attendance, sparking curiosity about the interdisciplinary applications of physics. Many students who initially believed that CERN was relevant only to physicists were surprised to learn about the wide array of opportunities available for individuals from various scientific domains. Abhinaba also encouraged students to explore internship and research opportunities at CERN, detailing the application process and the skills required to participate in such prestigious programs. His journey from being a student to becoming a doctoral researcher at CERN served as an inspiration for aspiring scientists.

Conclusion

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students inquired about the challenges and rewards of working at CERN, as well as the future of interdisciplinary research in fundamental physics. The talk successfully broadened the perspectives of the attendees, reinforcing the idea that science is a collective endeavor, where knowledge from various fields intertwines to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The Department of Physics extends its gratitude to Abhinaba Upadhyay for sharing his experiences and insights, and for inspiring the next generation of researchers. This session has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, motivating students to think beyond traditional academic boundaries and explore collaborative opportunities in global scientific endeavors.