36th Annual Report (2023-24)

DIRECTOR'S REPORT The main objectives of IUCAA are to provide a centre of excellence within the university sector for teaching, research and development in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A), as well as to promote nucleation and growth of active groups in this area in the universities. The aim is to provide researchers from universities access to state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation, theoretical know-how, well-equipped laboratories, data centre and high-quality computing facilities. For more than three decades, IUCAA has not only achieved these objectives but has maintained the emphasis on fundamental research and innovative teaching in a wide range of areas of A&A. Over this period, IUCAA's interactions with universities have also evolved as per the demands of the changing research and technology landscape in the country and abroad. At present, IUCAA's academic staff consists of 24 faculty members (including Emeritus Professors), 4 Adjunct faculty members, 47 PhD students, 20 Post-Doctoral fellows, 41 Scientific and technical staff and 5 project students. The high level of science productivity of IUCAA academic staff is reflected in the fact that during this academic year, they have published about 173 papers in peer-reviewed journals. The average impact factor for these publications is 5.19 Our M. Sc Physics (Astrophysics) programme in collaboration with the SPPU-Physics department continues to attract young students across the country, and we are happy to see a good fraction of students graduating from this programme are taking up PhD admissions in different astronomy institutions in the country and abroad. This year, we have initiated the setting up of an introductory-level laboratory for gravitational science. A first school for Master's students using this laboratory is planned for the winter months of 2024. This year, we have re-established the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of IUCAA, consisting of domain experts from India and abroad. The main activities of the SAC are to submit its report, after a thorough review of IUCAA's activities and advice on future directions and developments, to the Governing Board, which will in turn take it to the University Grants Commission. The first meeting of the new SAC was held from April 22-26, 2024. The committee has gone through a detailed review of all activities of IUCAA and engaged with all stakeholders. Their valuable suggestions will soon be incorporated into the activities of IUCAA. The number of IUCAA associates also shows a steady increase over the period. Now, the total number of associates stands at 237. This year, we have re- established the “Users' Committee” nearly after a decade. The Users' Committee is expected to provide recommendations to the Governing Board of IUCAA for optimal and effective utilisation of the IUCAA's facilities by visiting university scientists. The Users' Committee will have the responsibility of devising methods for obtaining feedback from the users and may comment on Visitor Academic Programmes such as schools, courses, workshops etc., 15