IIT (ISM) Dhanbad had the rare privilege of hosting Ashoke Sen, ICTS-Infosys Madhava Chair Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, during Science Fest 2026. On 26th February 2026, Prof. Sen delivered a widely attended public colloquium titled “How to Create a Higher Dimensional Space-Time?” at the NAC Auditorium, New Academic Complex.
A pioneer in string theory and one of India’s most eminent theoretical physicists, Prof. Sen presented a fascinating exposition of modern ideas in fundamental physics. Drawing from string theory, he explained how our universe may possess additional spatial dimensions beyond the familiar three, with six compactified and hidden from observation.
He addressed the profound question of whether these compact dimensions could be expanded in certain regions of space, and discussed the significance of such possibilities for understanding space-time, quantum gravity, entropy, black holes, and higher-dimensional physics.
The lecture held at NAC Auditorium of the institute on February 26, 2026 stood out for its clarity and accessibility, seamlessly connecting deep theoretical concepts with intuitive explanations suited to a diverse audience. The auditorium witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, students, and science enthusiasts.
An engaging interaction session followed the talk, during which Prof. Sen patiently responded to questions ranging from foundational aspects of quantum gravity and string dualities to career pathways in theoretical physics. His interaction with students and faculty from the Department of Physics and other departments proved intellectually stimulating and deeply inspiring, especially for young researchers.
Prof. Sen is a recipient of the Padma Shri (2001) and the Padma Bhushan (2013), in addition to prestigious international honors including the Fundamental Physics Prize and the Dirac Medal, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to string theory and quantum field theory.
The visit of such a legendary scientist significantly enriched Science Fest 2026 and reaffirmed IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s commitment to promoting excellence in research, scientific curiosity, and meaningful academic dialogue.