In a world where scientific discovery is quietly shaping the future, certain institutions and individuals stand at the intersection of curiosity, discipline, and purpose. At this crossroads, research goes beyond academic work; it becomes a long-term dedication to expanding human knowledge, guiding new generations of thinkers, and building a legacy that lasts beyond individual careers and lifetimes. Within India’s dynamic scientific community, the Raman Research Institute serves as a shining example of excellence, continuing the vision of its founder, Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman, through advanced research in fundamental sciences and a strong tradition of intellectual freedom.
Central to this environment of ideas and innovation is Dr. Sanjukta Roy, Associate Professor II at the Raman Research Institute. She personifies the dedication to both creating knowledge and providing scholarly leadership. Working at this autonomous institute, which has been promoting basic science research since 1948 with support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, she contributes to a rich history of scientific achievement while helping to guide its present and future directions.
Building a Career in Ultra-Cold Atoms and Quantum Physics
Dr. Roy’s journey in research and education began in 2001 when she joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. That same year, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Wolfgang Ketterle (MIT), Carl Wieman, and Eric Cornell (University of Colorado, Boulder) for their achievement in creating Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute gases of alkali atoms, along with their early fundamental studies of the properties of these condensates. Fascinated by this newly discovered “fifth state of matter,” she was inspired to pursue research on ultra-cold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensates.
During her PhD, Dr. Sanjukta Roy, along with her colleague and PhD student Saptarishi Chaudhuri and her thesis supervisor C. S. Unnikrishnan, realized the first Bose-Einstein condensate in India. This accomplishment was a tribute to the great Indian scientist Satyendranath Bose, whose pioneering work on photon statistics led Albert Einstein to predict the phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation.
After completing her PhD, Dr. Roy undertook postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Claude Cohen-Tannoudji at the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, École Normale Supérieure, Paris. This period was a rich learning experience, where working alongside such distinguished pioneers shaped her research career and motivated her to pursue important and challenging areas of study that could significantly advance science and technology.
Her subsequent postdoctoral position at the European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy in Florence, Italy, provided her with the opportunity to work at the forefront of her field. There, she made significant contributions to research on few-body physics and Anderson localization of matter waves in three-dimensional disordered potentials. These contributions resulted in publications in leading physics journals such as Physical Review Letters and Nature Physics.
Driven by her motivation to explore challenging yet important research topics, Dr. Roy established an experiment at the Raman Research Institute to investigate various aspects of quantum technology using ultra-cold Rydberg atoms.
A Leading Center for Advanced Scientific Research
The Raman Research Institute is a prestigious institution that embodies the rich legacy of the great Indian physicist and Nobel Laureate Prof. C. V. Raman. It continues his tradition of significant and impactful research, establishing the institute as an important presence on the global scientific stage. The institute upholds the inspirational spirit of Prof. Raman and honors the scientific and cultural heritage of India.
The Raman Research Institute has approximately 28 faculty members and 70 PhD students working across several research areas, including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Light and Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics, and Theoretical Physics. Its members conduct cutting-edge research and publish their findings in leading scientific journals, often gaining recognition in the media.
RRI Collaborations & Innovation
Global Partnerships
- Faculty engage in prominent national & international collaborations
- Dr. Sanjukta Roy partners with ENS Paris-Saclay researchers
Startup Ecosystem
- Actively fosters startups from RRI labs
- 3 startups launched to date
Turning Difficult Experiments into Scientific Breakthroughs
When Dr. Roy began her PhD research on Bose-Einstein condensates, she was highly motivated but had no prior experience in building experiments, especially one considered among the most challenging table-top experiments worldwide. The journey was difficult, requiring her and her team to overcome many technical problems that initially seemed insurmountable. However, through focused effort and the understanding that “there is no plan B,” they remained determined. They knew they had to succeed, and no other option was acceptable. Dr. Roy invested a tremendous amount of hard work to acquire the necessary technical skills and experimental methods, applying them efficiently. This dedication ultimately led to the successful realization of the first Bose-Einstein condensate in India.
Another significant challenge arose during her postdoctoral tenure in Florence, Italy, where she obtained experimental results that contradicted the theoretical predictions of prominent physicists. This period was difficult and demanding, but Dr. Roy stood firm. She repeated her measurements multiple times, confidently confirming her observations. In the end, her results were accepted by the scientific community, culminating in a lead-author publication in the prestigious physics journal Physical Review Letters.
Dr. Sanjukta Roy: Awards & Recognitions
National Honors
- PM Letter of Appreciation (Dr. Manmohan Singh) for India’s first Bose-Einstein Condensate (2007)
- DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOSA), Physical Sciences (2020)
International Awards
- DST-DFG Award, Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting, Germany (2005)
- Outstanding Woman Researcher in Physics, Venus International Foundation (2025)
- IOP Trusted Reviewer Certificate, UK (2022); Outstanding Reviewer Awards (2016, 2019)
- Post-doc Fellowships: IFRAF (ENS Paris, 2008), CNRS (Institut d’Optique, France, 2010), ERC Grant (Florence, Italy, 2011)
Media Milestone
- First BEC achievement: Front-page feature in The Telegraph
Breaking New Ground in Rydberg Atom Research
Dr. Roy takes pride in her project on quantum technology using ultra-cold Rydberg atoms at the Raman Research Institute. Her experiment is the first and only one in India to achieve Rydberg excitation in cold atoms. This research has produced significant results, including Doppler-enhanced quantum magnetometry and the observation of interaction effects in highly excited cold Rydberg atoms. These findings were recognized by the Department of Science and Technology, India, and received coverage from prominent media outlets such as India Today, The Hindu, The Times of India, and The Economic Times. Notably, these were among the first experimental results of their kind worldwide and were highly appreciated by the international scientific community.
A Powerful Tool for Next-Generation Quantum Technologies
Dr. Sanjukta Roy has developed a highly versatile experimental setup using ultra-cold Rydberg atoms that can explore all key areas of quantum technology. These include quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum simulation of many-body physics, and deterministic single-photon sources for quantum communication. Her team has also integrated highly sensitive detection systems capable of detecting even a few photons. This capability has allowed them to observe signals from ultra-cold Rydberg atoms, creating important opportunities for advancing quantum technology with ultra-cold Rydberg atoms in India.
Wide Media Recognition for Scientific Achievements
Dr. Sanjukta Roy’s groundbreaking research at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) has garnered significant media attention, alongside coverage of RRI’s advancements in quantum technologies.
Recent features include Press Information Bureau releases ((https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2169692), (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2067034®=3&lang=1)), The Times of India (2025), The Economic Times (2025), India Today (2024), The Hindu (2024), ET Government (2024), and highlights from the Ministry of Science and Technology, India ((https://dst.gov.in/high-energy-pushes-atomic-brotherhood-making-way-for-next-generation-quantum-devices), (https://dst.gov.in/towards-more-precise-atomic-clocks-useful-navigation-telecommunication-aviation)). Earlier RRI coverage appeared in The Times of India (2023).
Dr. Roy’s pioneering achievement in realizing India’s first Bose-Einstein Condensate was highlighted in The Telegraph (2007), DNA India (2007), and her media reports page. Additional recognition includes a Physical Review Letters synopsis (2013).
Learning, Teaching, and Shaping Tomorrow’s Technology
Dr. Roy stays informed about the latest developments and cutting-edge advancements in her field by regularly reading and engaging with new research. She enjoys learning and finds great satisfaction in acquiring new knowledge. Dr. Roy is always eager to explore challenging areas of research, as they often offer opportunities for important discoveries.
In education, she encourages her students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge to practical situations. This approach helps students develop a clear understanding of the concepts they have learned and enables them to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.
Looking ahead, Dr. Roy believes that quantum technology will play a leading role in the coming years, impacting not only academic research but also the industrial sector.
Nurturing Young Minds for a Stronger Future
“Students are the future of the country,” Dr. Roy says, “and their training and development are crucial for a brighter future.” She places great emphasis on nurturing her students and helping them achieve their full potential. By encouraging creative thinking and giving students the freedom to pursue their own original ideas, Dr. Roy supports their growth and guides them through the important transition from learners to independent researchers.
In addition, Dr. Roy teaches a course on ‘Research Ethics’ to first-year PhD students to ensure they understand the importance of ethical conduct in research. She stresses the need to carry out research with sincerity and dedication, while fully complying with ethical standards. Dr. Roy reminds her students that meaningful and enduring discoveries come from honesty and ethical behavior, qualities that stand the test of time.
A Clear Vision for the Future of Quantum Science
Dr. Sanjukta Roy states, “My vision for the future of research and education is to make our country one of the world leaders in research and development of quantum technology, with education grounded in critical thinking, holistic development, and the encouragement of innovative ideas.”
Her key goals and initiatives for the Raman Research Institute involve pushing the boundaries of quantum science and technology through the versatile experimental setup she has developed using ultra-cold Rydberg atoms. Her research focuses on areas such as quantum computing, high-precision quantum sensing of electromagnetic fields across a wide range of frequencies – from radiofrequency and microwave to terahertz – and quantum simulation of many-body physics. In addition, Dr. Roy is dedicated to mentoring bright and motivated students, guiding them to become successful leaders and researchers of the next generation.
Open Letter to Aspiring Researchers and Leaders
Dear Aspiring Researchers and Leaders,
I advise you to pursue research areas that promise significant impact on science and technology, both nationally and globally. Once committed to your chosen field, dedicate full effort and focus to bring your work to successful completion.
The young generation holds immense potential to become tomorrow’s leaders. Channel your energy toward making meaningful contributions to our country’s scientific and technological development. You have my full support and best wishes.
Sanjukta Roy
Associate Professor II
Raman Research Institute
5 Key Takeaways from Sanjukta Roy’s Impact on Quantum Science and Education
- Pioneering Quantum Research in India: Dr. Roy played a key role in realizing India’s first Bose–Einstein Condensate and continues to lead advanced research in ultra-cold atoms and quantum technology.
- Building World-Class Experimental Capabilities: She has developed a versatile and unique experimental platform using ultra-cold Rydberg atoms, enabling research across quantum computing, sensing, simulation, and communication.
- Perseverance Behind Scientific Breakthroughs: From overcoming complex experimental challenges to standing by results that challenged theory, her journey reflects resilience, rigor, and strong scientific conviction.
- Commitment to Education and Ethical Research: Dr. Roy emphasizes hands-on learning, independent thinking, and ethical conduct, helping students grow into responsible and confident researchers.
- A Clear Vision for India’s Quantum Future: Her work is guided by a long-term vision to position India as a global leader in quantum technology through innovation, critical thinking, and strong mentorship.
