Physicist Deepak Dhar wins 2026 Dirac Medal

Theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Dirac Medal, a top accolade in the field of physics. Instituted in 1985 by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, the award acknowledges the remarkable contributions of individuals who have significantly advanced the understanding of quantum theory.

At the age of 75, Dhar joins an elite group of ten recipients who have been bestowed with both the Dirac Medal and the Boltzmann Medal, an exclusive distinction shared by several Nobel laureates in Physics. Currently serving as the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) distinguished professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences in Bengaluru, Dhar's research explores how basic interactions can lead to complex behaviours in large systems.

This groundbreaking work has been instrumental in modeling various systems, ranging from earthquakes and traffic congestion to fluctuations in financial markets. Dhar, born in 1951 in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, completed his doctoral studies at Caltech, where he was a teaching assistant to renowned physicist Richard Feynman. Unlike his contemporaries, Dhar chose to return to India, where he has dedicated over four decades to fundamental research.

He emphasizes the importance of promoting science education from primary school levels, arguing that the nation's progress is intrinsically linked to advancements in scientific understanding. While Dhar acknowledges the improved research opportunities in India compared to his arrival, he cautions that cultivating interest in research among the younger generation remains a significant challenge.

Despite the abundance of information at their fingertips, young researchers must invest considerable time in developing a deep understanding of their subjects. Dhar encourages young scientists to take regular walks, as these moments of reflection often yield new insights.