Who is Dr Nikku Madhusudhan? Indian-Origin Scientist Who Is Leading The Search For Life On Distant Exoplanets

A team of scientists led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan has reported compelling evidence of biological activity on a distant exoplanet, K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth.

The discovery is centered around the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule that, on Earth, is only known to be produced by living organisms such as marine algae. The team of scientists used James Webb Space Telescope to find compelling evidence of biological activity on an exoplanet, K2-18b. An exoplanet is a planet that is not part of our solar system but orbits another star far away.

Who is Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan?

Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan was born in India in 1980, Dr Madhusudhan completed his graduation at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree.

He later pursued graduate studies at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he obtained both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in planetary science. While he was at MIT, he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Sara Seager, Canadian-American astronomer and planetary scientist, a renowned expert in exoplanet research.

In 2011 he was awarded YCAA Prize Fellowship, Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Yale University, USA and in 2019 the MERAC Prize in Theoretical Astrophysics, European Astronomical Society are among some of the honors he has received.

Currently, he is a professor at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the atmospheres and compositions of exoplanets and their potential to support life.

Dr Mahusudhan is widely recognised for his contribution in introducing the concept of “Hycean planets,” which are ocean-covered planets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres that may offer suitable conditions for life.