Physicist Deepak Dhar wins 2026 Dirac Medal

Theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar, from Uttar Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Dirac Medal, one of the highest recognitions in the field, alongside his Indian counterpart. Established in 1985 by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, the award honors scholars like Dhar, named after quantum theory pioneer Paul Dirac.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the 75-year-old physicist noted that while accolades are nice, it's the lasting relevance of his research that matters. In 2022, Dhar also secured the Boltzmann Medal, becoming the first Indian to receive this distinction. With this win, he joins an elite group of ten scholars who have claimed both accolades, many of whom have followed in their footsteps to win the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Currently a distinguished professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences in Bengaluru, Dhar has previously worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune. His research, while technical, has revealed how "simple interactions can lead to complex and sometimes unpredictable behaviour in large systems", finding application in diverse fields from earthquakes to financial markets.

Born in 1951 in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Dhar completed his doctoral studies at Caltech, where he was Feynman's teaching assistant. Returning to India, Dhar has been actively engaged in fundamental research for over four decades. Despite the proliferation of universities in India, primary education remains a concern, according to Dhar, who advocates for its improvement, emphasizing that the nation's progress in science is closely tied to its educational foundation.

While acknowledging the advancements in research opportunities since his return, Dhar cautioned that interest and depth of understanding still require dedicated effort. He also shared that he spends his mornings walking to clear his mind and come up with fresh scientific ideas, a routine that has remained a part of his life.