JMI inaugurates international conference on Cross-Survey Cosmography

The Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), in collaboration with the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), on April 8 inaugurated a four-day international conference titled "Cross-Survey Cosmography: Precision Cosmology, Emerging Tensions and New Physics.

" The conference, held at the CTP Seminar Hall, brought together leading experts, researchers, and young scholars to address some of the most intriguing challenges in modern cosmology, including precision measurements of the universe and discrepancies in key cosmological parameters that hint at potential new physics. A diverse group of participants from Jamia Millia Islamia and leading Indian institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, and BITS Pilani participated in the conference.

Prominent international participants from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), University of Birmingham, University of Sheffield, University of California Berkeley, University of Cambridge, and the University of Tartu, Estonia also took part in the deliberations showcasing the strong national and international engagement of the conference.Reflecting on the theme of the conference, Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor JMI offered a spiritual and philosophical perspective on the notion of "emerging tensions" in cosmology.

He suggested that what appear as tensions in our measurements may instead be limitations in our current understanding or tools, and that the pursuit of new physics is ultimately a journey toward a deeper appreciation of the harmony embedded in creation.He emphasised that the university's mission extends far beyond producing graduates with high grades or research publications. "Our foremost duty," Prof. Asif stated, "is to train our students to become good human beings—individuals of character, integrity, and compassion."

He elaborated that JMI's holistic approach to education nurtures critical thinking, ethical grounding, and a sense of social responsibility.

Prof. Asif also noted that we are living in a "data-rich era of cosmology" and that India is playing an increasingly important role in global scientific research. He lauded the CTP as one of the country's leading research centres and urged young MSc. and Ph.D students to actively interact with the eminent experts present at the conference.

"Such interactions are essential for nurturing young minds and strengthening our academic community,” he said.Prof. Sushant G. Ghosh, Director of CTP and Chair of the Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted that cosmology stands at a "fascinating crossroads," where high-precision observational data is both mapping the universe's evolution and challenging existing theoretical frameworks.

"Emerging tensions open exciting avenues for new physics," Prof. Ghosh said, emphasising the workshop's goal to foster collaborations that bridge these gaps.

He also showcased the CTP's stellar achievements, including the President of India's Visitor's Award for Research (2015), multiple IOP Publishing Top Cited Paper Awards (2022, 2024, 2025), and a place in the Stanford list of the top 2% of scientists (2020–2024). Prof. Anjan Ananda Sen and Dr. Anupam Bhardwaj, the conference coordinators, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of collaboration and discussion in advancing cosmology. Prof. Sen of JMI emphasised the role of cross-survey studies in addressing challenges like the Hubble constant tension and appreciated the platform for young researchers, while Dr. Bhardwaj from Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics highlighted the value of institutional collaboration, the role of ICARD.Prof. Saeed Uddin, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, delivered a stirring address in which he welcomed participants from across the country and abroad. Speaking on behalf of the Faculty of Science, he reaffirmed JMI's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. Prof. Saeed particularly praised the Centre for Theoretical Physics for its significant contributions to black hole physics, gravitational lensing, black hole shadows, cosmology, and modified theories of gravity.

The conference was made possible through the sponsorship of IUCAA, JMI and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). It is part of IUCAA's initiative to establish centers for astronomy research and development (ICARD) at various universities. The CTP's ICARD aims to develop innovative teaching methods, hold workshops, and promote scientific dialogue.