Prof. Nathan Seiberg to Deliver Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative Fellowship Public Lecture at ICTS- TIFR

Bengaluru, February 14, 2025: The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS-TIFR) is set to host an insightful public lecture by eminent physicist Nathan Seiberg supported by Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative (SFPI) Fellowship. Prof. Seiberg, one of the world’s foremost theoretical physicists, will explore the dual approach to scientific discovery, uncovering fundamental laws at smaller scales and understanding their far-reaching consequences.

Currently a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, Prof. Nathan Seiberg is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum field theory, string theory, and mathematical physics. His work on Seiberg dualities and the Seiberg-Witten theory has transformed the study of supersymmetric gauge theories. A recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, the Oskar Klein Medal, and the Dirac Medal, Prof. Seiberg’s research continues to influence cutting-edge developments in high-energy physics.

Prof. Seiberg’s lecture will explore how nature operates across multiple layers of scale—from atoms to galaxies—each governed by distinct scientific laws. He will address foundational questions, such as whether space itself is an illusion and what might have existed before the Big Bang. His discussion will emphasize that science is not just about definitive answers but about framing meaningful questions that push the boundaries of knowledge.

Prof.  Rajesh  Gopakumar,  Centre  Director,  ICTS-TIFR,  stated: “ICTS-TIFR is delighted to host the SFPI Fellowship public lecture by Prof. Nathan Seiberg. Prof. Seiberg has made profound contributions to our understanding of physics in a variety of areas in high-energy physics and condensed matter physics. He is a very lucid speaker, and I am looking forward to the deep insights he will share in this lecture. It will be a treat for anyone interested in the fundamental questions of nature.”

Prof. Seiberg’s talk, titled “The Two-Way Approach to Understanding Nature,” will illustrate how scientific progress operates in two complementary directions. While one seeks deeper fundamental principles, the other explores emerging patterns and behaviours at larger scales. Using examples from quantum field theory, condensed matter physics, and string theory, he will discuss how these approaches inform each other and could reshape scientific inquiry, particularly in the context of string theory.

Prof.   Nathan   Seiberg,   ahead   of   his   lecture,   commented : “Science is driven by curiosity and the relentless pursuit of understanding. In this lecture, I hope to illustrate how progress in physics has been shaped by the interplay of different scales, from the smallest quantum particles to the vastness of the cosmos. I am delighted to engage with the brilliant minds at ICTS-TIFR and to contribute to this vibrant exchange of ideas.”

Prof. Shiraz Minwalla, faculty at the Department of Theoretical Physics, TIFR Mumbai,  highlighted  the  impact  of  Prof.  Seiberg’s  research: “Professor Nathan Seiberg’s work on quantum field theory and string theory has been groundbreaking. In particular, his discovery of ‘Seiberg dualities’ and the ‘Seiberg-Witten’ solution has completely transformed our understanding of supersymmetric gauge theories and quantum field theories in general. The opportunity to interact with one of the most eminent living physicists is truly inspirational for our students and postdocs. We are very grateful to SFPI for the support that has made this visit possible.”

S.D. Shibulal, Founder of SFPI, emphasized the importance of supporting such scholarly interactions:

“At SFPI, we believe in fostering scientific inquiry and knowledge-sharing. The SFPI Fellowship lectures provide a unique platform for students, researchers, and the broader public to engage with some of the greatest minds in science. We are honoured to support this initiative and to welcome Prof. Seiberg to India for this lecture.”

The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives fellowship Public Lecture Series, continues to bring leading global scholars to India, fostering scientific discourse and inspiring future generations of researchers.

Event Details:

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Sangamam Presents: Āvartanam by Ramaa Venugopalan

1.Core Event Details

  • Performance Date: April 11, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Venue : BIC Auditorium
  • Artist: Ramaa Venugopalan (Bharatanatyam)
  • Title of the Performance: Āvartanam – The Eternal Cycle of Srishti, Sthithi and PraLaya – Where Creation emerges within, Arises as Desire and Returns as Surrender. An Anvaya – The Connection Series – Bharathanatyam- Kolam- Kshetram
  • Number of artists : 5
  • Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

2.Concept Note

  • The performer : Anvaya – The Connection, is a confluence of three aspects of Indian Arts – Bharathanatyam – Kolam (Rangoli) – Kshetram, the commonalities and the interconnectedness of our Bharatiya Kala Sampradaya. Ramaa Venugopalan through her experience of creating over 3000 unique kolams, over 3 decades of performing Bharathanatyam and as a researcher of Kshetrams, brings together these three aspects through an immersive presentation that connects the three art forms.
  • Details of the performance: Aavartanam – The Eternal Cycle, Ramaa explores the Kanchi Kshetram. Through the three prominent and presiding Deities of this Kshetram – Kamakshi,Ekambreshwarar and Varadaraja, the concept of Srishti, Sthiti and Pralaya are juxtaposed through a representation in Kolams written by Ramaa to bring out the similarities of the essence of the imagery.

About Sangamam

Sangamam an initiative by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), was born from a simple but profound belief: Culture is a living language. If we don’t speak it, it fades. Our mission is to ensure that the classical arts are not just preserved in the past, but are vibrantly present in the lives of the next generation.

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