Pushing the Boundaries of Fundamental Physics
An autonomous institution devoted to scientific research in basic sciences, established by the Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman. Located in Bangalore, India, RRI fosters an environment of curiosity-driven research across astrophysics, condensed matter, soft matter, and theoretical physics.
Explore Our Institute Current ResearchAbout RRI
Our Heritage & Mission
The Raman Research Institute (RRI) was founded in 1948 by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, India's first Nobel laureate in science. His vision was to create a center for fundamental research, free from the constraints of academic schedules and teaching obligations, where scientists could pursue deep questions about the nature of the physical world.
Located on a serene, wooded campus in Bangalore, RRI operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The institute is dedicated to curiosity-driven research in selected areas of physics and astronomy. Our mission is to maintain a vibrant intellectual environment where scientists can undertake long-term, fundamental investigations at the highest level of excellence.
Today, RRI houses about 40 faculty members and 150 research scholars and postdoctoral fellows, supported by skilled technical and administrative staff. The institute's research is organized into several interdisciplinary groups, fostering collaboration across traditional boundaries.
Our Funding Agency150+ Scholars
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows engaged in cutting-edge research under expert mentorship.
40 Faculty
World-renowned scientists leading research groups in diverse fields of physics and astronomy.
200+ Publications/Year
High-impact research papers published annually in leading international journals.
50+ Collaborations
Active international partnerships with premier research institutions worldwide.
Research Areas
RRI's research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and emphasis on fundamental questions. Our work spans from the quantum world to the cosmic scale.
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Research focuses on observational and theoretical aspects of the universe. Key projects include studies of cosmic microwave background radiation, galaxy formation and evolution, interstellar medium, and gravitational wave astronomy. RRI scientists are involved in major international collaborations like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
- Cosmic Microwave Background
- Radio Astronomy & Interferometry
- Gravitational Wave Data Analysis
- High-Energy Astrophysics
Soft Condensed Matter
This area explores materials that are easily deformed by thermal stresses or fluctuations, including liquid crystals, polymers, gels, colloids, and biomaterials. Research combines experiments, theory, and simulations to understand phase transitions, self-assembly, dynamics, and rheology. Applications range from display technology to drug delivery systems.
- Liquid Crystals & Complex Fluids
- Active Matter & Biological Physics
- Polymers & Granular Materials
- Microfluidics & Lab-on-a-Chip
Theoretical Physics
Theoretical research at RRI addresses foundational questions in quantum mechanics, statistical physics, field theory, and cosmology. Work includes quantum information and computation, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, string theory, and the interface of gravity and quantum theory. The group maintains strong ties with experimentalists both within RRI and globally.
- Quantum Information & Foundations
- Statistical Mechanics of Complex Systems
- String Theory & Quantum Gravity
- Mathematical Physics
People & Culture
A Community of Scholars
RRI is home to a diverse community of scientists, students, and staff from across India and the world. The institute promotes a culture of open inquiry, collaboration, and intellectual rigor. Regular seminars, colloquia, and workshops facilitate the exchange of ideas. The campus provides residential accommodation for most members, fostering a close-knit, academically focused environment.
We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in science. RRI actively supports women in physics through targeted fellowships and mentorship programs. The institute also participates in numerous outreach activities to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Recent Publications
Detection of Polarized Foreground Emission from the Galactic Plane at 40 MHz
Authors: Sharma, P., Subrahmanyan, R., et al. | Journal: Astrophysical Journal, 945(2), 112 (2023)
We report the first detection of polarized emission from the Galactic plane at 40 MHz using the Indian radio telescope. This has implications for understanding the Galactic magnetic field and foregrounds for cosmic dawn experiments.
Read AbstractActive Nematics on a Curved Surface: From Defect Dynamics to Collective Motion
Authors: Nambisan, J., Mishra, S. | Journal: Physical Review Letters, 130(8), 088001 (2023)
A theoretical study of how curvature and activity interact to control the self-organization of active nematic fluids on spherical and toroidal geometries, relevant to biological tissues and synthetic active materials.
Read AbstractQuantum Coherence in Photosynthetic Complexes at Physiological Temperatures
Authors: Krishnan, R., Patel, A. B. | Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(12), e2217118120 (2023)
Using two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, we demonstrate long-lived quantum coherence in light-harvesting complexes under near-natural conditions, suggesting a possible functional role in energy transfer efficiency.
Read AbstractConstraints on Primordial Non-Gaussianity from the Lyman-α Forest with SDSS Data
Authors: Mehta, K. T., Sarkar, A., et al. | Journal: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 521(4), 5432–5445 (2023)
Analysis of SDSS data provides new upper limits on local primordial non-Gaussianity, testing inflation models and large-scale structure formation.
Read AbstractNews & Events
RRI Scientist Awarded the Infosys Prize 2023 in Physical Sciences
March 15, 2024
Dr. Anjali Mehta has been awarded the prestigious Infosys Prize for her groundbreaking work on the electronic properties of two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures. Her research has opened new pathways for next-generation electronic devices.
Read MoreInternational Conference on Soft Matter and Biological Physics (ICSMBP 2024) Held at RRI
February 28, 2024
The institute successfully hosted the 8th edition of ICSMBP, bringing together over 300 scientists from 25 countries. The conference featured keynote talks, poster sessions, and discussions on emerging trends in soft and biological matter.
Conference PhotosNew High-Performance Computing Cluster Inaugurated
January 10, 2024
A state-of-the-art computing cluster named "PARAM-RRI" has been installed, providing researchers with enhanced capabilities for simulations in astrophysics, condensed matter, and theoretical physics. The cluster boasts 5000 cores and 20 PB of storage.
Technical DetailsUpcoming Events
Public Lecture: "The Sound of the Big Bang"
April 25, 2024 | 4:00 PM | Auditorium
Deadline: Summer Internship Applications 2024
April 30, 2024
Workshop on Data Analysis for Radio Astronomy
May 15-20, 2024
Research Facilities
RRI maintains a suite of advanced laboratories and technical resources to support experimental and theoretical research.
Radio Astronomy Laboratory
Houses a 12-meter radio telescope for training and development of receiver systems. The lab is involved in developing backend systems for international projects like the SKA and the Murchison Widefield Array.
Soft Matter Fabrication Lab
Cleanroom facilities for sample preparation, including optical lithography, spin coaters, and Langmuir-Blodgett troughs. Specialized setups for studying liquid crystals, polymers, and biomimetic systems.
Advanced Optical Microscopy
Confocal, fluorescence, polarization, and super-resolution microscopes for imaging dynamic processes in soft and biological matter at micrometer to nanometer scales.
High-Performance Computing
The PARAM-RRI cluster provides computational resources for large-scale simulations in cosmology, condensed matter theory, and data-intensive astronomy.
C. V. Raman Library
A comprehensive collection of journals, books, and online resources in physics, astronomy, and related disciplines. Provides access to major scientific databases.
Central Workshop
Supports design and fabrication of custom experimental equipment, precision machining, electronics assembly, and cryogenic systems.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Address:
Raman Research Institute
C.V. Raman Avenue, Sadashivanagar
Bangalore 560 080, Karnataka, India
Phone: +91 (80) 2361 0112
Fax: +91 (80) 2361 0492
General Enquiries: [email protected]
Academic Matters: [email protected]
Administration: [email protected]
Visitor Information
The institute is located in central Bangalore, about 8 km from the city railway station and 35 km from Kempegowda International Airport. Visitors are welcome by prior appointment. Please contact the reception for gate entry procedures.