Prof. Nandita Srivastava has devoted more than three decades to advancing our understanding of the Sun, particularly solar eruptions, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), heliophysics, and space weather.
Prof. Nandita Srivastava is a Senior Professor at the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, India. She is internationally recognised for her pioneering contributions to solar physics, particularly in understanding coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar eruptions, solar filaments, and the Sun–Earth connection.
Her fascination with astronomy began while growing up in a family of scholars in Madhya Pradesh. Inspired by books written by Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar and encouraged by her teachers, she discovered her passion for solar physics after attending a national solar workshop at Kodaikanal Observatory—an experience that shaped the course of her scientific career.
A distinguished academic and research career dedicated to advancing solar physics, heliophysics, and space weather research in India and worldwide.
Completed her undergraduate studies with a B.Sc. in Physics from Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur (1983–1985), followed by a M.Sc. in Physics from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (1985–1987).
Prof. Srivastava completed her Ph.D. in Physics at the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Udaipur during 1988–1993. She subsequently continued at USO–PRL as a Postdoctoral Fellow (September 1993 – July 1995), where she further developed her research in solar physics.
Prof. Srivastava's research career has been enriched by extensive international research experience through appointments at leading institutions in Europe and South America. She served as a Visiting Scientist at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil (August 1995 – June 1997), followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy, Germany (August 1997 – January 2000). She later joined the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, The Netherlands as a Visiting Fellow (February 2000 – June 2000).
Following her international research appointments, Prof. Srivastava returned to the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), where she has spent more than two decades advancing solar physics research in India. Since joining the faculty as a Scientist SD in July 2000, she has steadily progressed through the academic ranks, serving as Reader (2004–2009), Associate Professor (2009–2014), Professor (2014–2019), and Senior Professor (2020–Present). In addition to her research and academic responsibilities, she served as the Deputy Head (Administration) of the Udaipur Solar Observatory from April 2015 to December 2022, contributing significantly to the institution's scientific and administrative development.
Beyond her scientific discoveries, Prof. Nandita Srivastava has played an important role in strengthening solar physics research in India through leadership, collaboration, mentoring, and community building.
Served in leadership roles at the Physical Research Laboratory and Udaipur Solar Observatory while contributing to the growth of solar and heliophysics research in India.
Established productive collaborations with researchers and institutes worldwide, promoting joint research in solar eruptions, coronal mass ejections, and space weather.
Mentored numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, encouraging young researchers to pursue careers in solar physics and space science.
Organised conferences, workshops, and scientific schools that brought together researchers from India and abroad, strengthening the solar physics community.
Contributed through editorial activities, scientific committees, proposal reviews, and professional societies supporting the advancement of heliophysics research.
Her greatest legacy extends beyond publications—she has helped build a vibrant Indian solar physics community through collaboration, leadership, education, and mentorship.
A distinguished career spanning research, scientific leadership, international collaboration, and mentoring in solar physics.
More than one hundred peer-reviewed research papers in solar physics, heliophysics, and space weather.
Extensive contributions to international conferences, scientific meetings, and proceedings volumes.
Editor of books, special journal issues, and scientific publications.
Author of invited review articles summarising major developments in solar physics and space weather.
Through her pioneering research on solar eruptions, coronal mass ejections, and space weather, together with her dedication to mentoring students and fostering scientific collaboration, Prof. Nandita Srivastava has made enduring contributions to solar physics in India.
This symposium celebrates those achievements and the inspiration they continue to provide to the next generation of researchers.