Remembering the Legacy of Padma Shri Physicist Rohini Godbole
Renowned physicist and dedicated advocate for women in science, Rohini Godbole, passed away peacefully on Friday in Pune, leaving a profound legacy in particle physics and academia. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, expressed deep condolences, “With great sadness, we deeply mourn the passing of Prof. Rohini Godbole. In addition to being a great scientist, she was a leader, guide, colleague, and friend. She was a true champion of women in science.” A recipient of the Padma Shri and numerous international honors, Dr. Godbole made groundbreaking contributions to the field of particle physics, inspiring future scientists worldwide.
Pioneering Contributions in Particle Physics
Born in 1952 in Pune, Rohini Godbole embarked on her journey into physics with an undergraduate degree from the University of Pune. She went on to pursue an MSc from IIT Bombay, where she was awarded the institute’s silver medal. Her dedication to research and discovery led her to complete her Ph.D. at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, in 1979. Her career began with faculty positions, including at the University of Bombay, before joining IISc in 1995, where she served until her retirement in 2018.
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Godbole became a leader in particle physics, focusing particularly on collider physics, with an emphasis on Higgs boson and top quark studies. Her contributions supported the development of next-generation particle colliders, such as the International Linear Collider (ILC), propelling her into the international scientific spotlight. She held visiting positions at leading global institutions, including the renowned CERN Theory Department, where her insights significantly advanced theoretical physics.
An Advocate and Mentor for Future Generations
Dr. Godbole’s influence extended far beyond her research; she was a guiding force for students and young scientists. During her time at IISc, she mentored more than 14 PhD students, three MPhil students, and five Master’s students. She took pride in supporting their research careers, many of whom have gone on to make substantial contributions to physics and are faculty members at top institutions in India and globally. Her dedication to nurturing talent and inspiring women in science was a hallmark of her legacy.
Her colleagues at IISc admired her deeply. A note from the institute stated, “During her tenure, she guided over 14 PhD students, three MPhil students, and five Master’s students.” Even after her retirement in 2018, Prof. Godbole continued her research and mentorship at the Centre for High Energy Physics (CHEP) at IISc. Just this August, her last PhD student completed their thesis, marking the end of an era of rigorous, compassionate mentorship that defined her career.
Recognitions and Honors
Throughout her career, Prof. Godbole received numerous accolades. Her commitment to science earned her the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, and the French government awarded her the Ordre national du Mérite. These prestigious awards highlighted her contributions to science and her advocacy for women in STEM fields, an area where she made significant strides, inspiring countless young women to pursue careers in physics and research.
Her presence on advisory boards for government bodies in India and internationally reinforced her commitment to advancing science policy and research opportunities. Through her work, she created a legacy of passion, excellence, and tireless advocacy for the inclusion of women in scientific disciplines. Prof. Godbole’s dedication to pushing boundaries in physics and her support for young researchers will remain an enduring part of her legacy.
FAQs
Q1: What were Prof. Rohini Godbole’s most significant contributions to physics?
Prof. Rohini Godbole made pioneering advancements in particle physics, particularly in collider physics with a focus on top quark and Higgs boson studies. Her research significantly supported the development of the International Linear Collider (ILC) and contributed to the global understanding of particle interactions, positioning her as a respected figure in theoretical physics.
Q2: How did Prof. Godbole contribute to women’s representation in science?
Beyond her research, Prof. Godbole was an ardent advocate for women in science, actively supporting and mentoring female students and young scientists. She was celebrated not only for her scientific achievements but also for breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, encouraging and inspiring future generations of women in STEM.
