JU bags Breakthrough Prize 2025 in Fundamental Physics; showcases achievement in media interaction

Jammu, April 12 : The University of Jammu (JU) today celebrated a proud moment as its High Energy Physics (HEP) Group from the Department of Physics was recognized as part of the international team awarded the Breakthrough Prize 2025 in Fundamental Physics — referred to as the "Oscars of Science." Showcasing this yet another achievement, a special media interaction was organized at the University, with the High Energy Physics Group sharing insights into their contribution to CERN’s ALICE experiment and the broader impact of the work. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, congratulated Prof Anju Bhasin and her team for their outstanding achievement, calling it a matter of great pride not just for the University but for the nation. "It is a breakthrough prize for this group, and a tremendous honor for the entire institution and the country that the University of Jammu’s significant contributions have been recognized internationally," said while acknowledging the team's work in the development of detectors, detector control systems, data analysis, and applications in sectors such as medicine and automobiles, noting that these technologies are already being utilized. Prof Rai emphasized that such global collaborations provide invaluable exposure to students , scholars and faculty, opening up new frontiers of research and innovation. Dwelling in detail the University's unique distinction, Prof Rai said that the University of Jammu stands as the sole institution from Jammu and Kashmir to be associated with this prestigious international collaboration. This achievement has not only enhanced our national presence but has also significantly contributed to building our global footprint,he added. Prof. Anju Bhasin, who led the High Energy Physics Group at the University, spoke about the University’s role in the prestigious ALICE collaboration at CERN. She highlighted that the University’s contribution, particularly the design and development of the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD), has been vital in the study of Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) — a state of matter believed to have existed moments after the Big Bang. Prof. Bhasin also said that this milestone opens new avenues beyond fundamental research. “The skills developed through our work, such as in advanced detector technology, big data analytics, electronics, and high-performance computing, are highly transferable," she said, adding that the expertise gained has applications in medical imaging, nuclear safety, and information technology, making the research highly relevant to societal needs. The Breakthrough Prize honors thousands of researchers from over 70 countries representing four major experimental collaborations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) — ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb. The $3 million prize was awarded for investigations into the properties of the hottest and densest matter created in laboratory conditions. At the University of Jammu, the ALICE team headed by Prof. Anju Bhasin, comprise Prof. Sanjeev Singh Sambyal, Prof. Ramni Gupta, Er. Anik Gupta (Scientist 'G'), Dr. Rajendra Patra, Er. Sanjay Mahajan, and Dr. Renu Bala (Project Scientist). Six faculty members, one postdoctoral researcher, and several research scholars from the University are actively engaged in the ALICE experiment. The HEP Group has made valuable contributions across detector hardware development, simulation, data-taking, and physics analysis. The successful fabrication of the PMD at the University’s High Energy Physics Laboratory stands as a symbol of indigenous scientific excellence. The Breakthrough Prize will further support the ALICE collaboration by providing research grants to doctoral students from member institutes, allowing them to undertake research at CERN and gain invaluable hands-on experience. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Anju Bhasin and other members of the HEP Group replied in detail the information sought by the media persons. Among others present during the Media Interaction included Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Arun Bharti, Head Department of Physics, Prof. S. S. Sambyal, Er Anik Gupta, Er. Sanjay Mahajan.