Pushpita Ghosh

Pushpita Ghosh is an Assistant Professor Grade I in the School of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram. She leads a research group focused on theoretical chemistry, chemical physics, and biological physics, investigating self-organization in complex chemical and biological systems. Her work combines theoretical approaches with computational simulations to understand spatiotemporal patterns and collective dynamics in various natural systems.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Physical Chemistry from Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (2007-2012)
• B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Visva-Bharati University

Dr. Ghosh's research interests center on nonlinear dynamics of spatially-extended chemical and biological systems, collective dynamics of microbial colonies, and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of active matter. Her group employs tools from nonlinear dynamics, statistical mechanics, and computational simulations to investigate how systems self-organize under far-from-equilibrium conditions, with particular focus on spatiotemporal patterns, oscillations, and phase separation phenomena. The research has implications for understanding bacterial collectives, biofilm formation, and other biological self-organization processes.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on reaction-diffusion systems, bacterial collective behavior, and pattern formation. The work spans from fundamental theoretical investigations of nonlinear dynamics to more applied studies of microbial communities and biofilm morphogenesis. A recurring theme is understanding how local interactions at the microscopic level lead to emergent spatiotemporal orders at the macroscopic scale.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized through several awards:

• International Faculty fellowship by Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (EXC 2033) funded by DFG (October 2024)
• DST-INSPIRE Faculty Award (2016)
• Best Poster Prize at "Theoretical Chemistry Symposium" at IIT Kanpur (December 2010)

Dr. Ghosh actively mentors PhD students and has successfully guided several students who have received prestigious fellowships including the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF). Her group has secured funding from SERB India and IISER TVM intramural grants. She regularly delivers invited talks at national and international conferences and symposia, demonstrating her growing recognition in the field of theoretical chemical physics and biophysics.

Her research group operates at the intersection of theoretical chemistry, physics, and biology, with strong connections to both theoretical and experimental research groups. The lab continues to explore fundamental questions about self-organization in complex systems while expanding into new areas of active matter and biological physics.