AVA fellow Amit Nanda achieves PhD

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A person smiling, standing behind a desk, with his hands on a book that is on top of the desk.
Dr Amit Nanda

Former AVA fellow Amit Nanda has successfully defended his PhD which focused on the fundamental symmetries of the universe. Amit worked at the Marietta-Blau-Institut für Teilchenphysik (formerly the Stefan Meyer Institute) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).

The research, titled "Testing Lorentz and CPT Symmetry via in-beam Hyperfine Spectroscopy of Deuterium," tackles some of the most profound questions in modern physics. At its core, the work examines the limits of the Standard Model by looking for minute violations in symmetries that were long thought to be absolute.

Beyond the complex equations and laboratory measurements, this achievement marks the culmination of a deeply personal and demanding journey. Amit described the process as a "testament of patience," highlighting the inherent volatility of high-level scientific inquiry.

"Just like everything in life, research too goes through ups and downs," Amit shared following the defence at the University of Vienna. "The closure of this was certainly on a very high note! This whole experience has been a testament of my patience and me never giving up."

This achievement concludes years of rigorous experimentation and data analysis, much of it conducted under the auspices of the ÖAW, one of Europe’s leading institutions for fundamental research.

The success of the thesis was not a solitary endeavour. Amit emphasized the vital role of the scientific community and personal support networks in navigating the doctoral path. From the Marietta-Blau-Institut's specialized facilities to the mentorship provided by supervisors, Amit benefited from a rich environment of collaborative expertise.

Congratulations!