It is a privilege to serve the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, an institution with more than five decades of distinguished contributions to research, education and the pursuit of fundamental questions in physics.

Established in 1972, IOP has grown into an important centre for theoretical and experimental physics in India. Generations of faculty, scientists, students, postdoctoral researchers and staff have built its scientific traditions, and we take particular pride in our alumni, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in India and across the world.

Our research today spans condensed matter physics, high-energy physics and nuclear physics, in theory and experiment, together with interdisciplinary directions including quantum science, materials and nanoscience, complex systems and biological physics. The Institute’s experimental capabilities, including its 3 MV Pelletron accelerator and associated ion-beam facilities, have also supported research, instrumentation and the training of generations of young scientists.

Physics is entering an extraordinarily exciting period. Fundamental questions about matter and its interactions, quantum phenomena, matter under extreme conditions, the Universe, and the organisation of living systems are increasingly intersecting with advances in quantum technologies, novel materials, detectors and sensing, computation, artificial intelligence and the physics of life. IOP must continue to engage with these emerging frontiers while strengthening the areas in which it has built deep expertise.

At the heart of the Institute, however, are its people and its scientific culture. IOP has long sought to provide an environment where researchers can think independently, question established ideas and pursue difficult problems. We must continue to strengthen a culture of intellectual freedom, open discussion, collaboration, integrity and scientific excellence.

Education and the nurturing of young scientists have always been central to IOP. We are particularly proud of our Pre-Doctoral Programme, recognised for its rigour, breadth and rich academic content, which has provided generations of students with a strong foundation for research. Our students, postdoctoral researchers and young scientists remain central to the future of the Institute.

IOP also has a special relationship with Odisha. The Institute was established by the Government of Odisha and began its academic journey in Bhubaneswar before becoming an autonomous institution of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. We would like to deepen our engagement with the universities, colleges and research institutions of Odisha—through scientific collaboration, access to expertise and facilities, interaction with teachers and students, and opportunities that inspire talented young people to pursue science.

Looking ahead, our aspiration is simple but demanding: to pursue fundamental science at the highest international level, to create an environment where outstanding people can do their best work, and to contribute discoveries and ideas that endure.

We want IOP to remain—and increasingly become, a destination of choice for outstanding students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and visiting scientists from India and around the world. I warmly invite young people with curiosity and ambition, researchers seeking challenging scientific questions, and colleagues looking for meaningful collaborations to engage with us.

The future of IOP will be shaped by the science we choose to pursue, the people we attract and nurture, and the standards of excellence we set for ourselves.

Prof. Bedangadas Mohanty
Acting Director
Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar