Rajeev N Kini

Rajeev N Kini is a Professor and currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at the School of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram since January 2025. He was promoted to Professor in February 2025 after serving as Associate Professor from January 2020 to February 2025, and as Assistant Professor from June 2010 to December 2019. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at NREL, Colorado (2007-2010) and Virginia Tech (2006-2007).

Dr. Kini's research focuses on understanding the physics of novel materials for developing optical and electronic nanostructure devices. His primary research areas include light-matter interaction in the quantum regime (particularly phonon cavities), ultrafast optical studies of emerging material systems such as transition metal dichalcogenides and strongly correlated materials, and terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for both fundamental studies and industrial applications.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on terahertz technology, phonon dynamics in semiconductor nanostructures, and the properties of bismuth-containing materials. His work bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with practical applications in optoelectronics and nanotechnology.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Kerala State Young Scientist Award (2014)
• Included in Who's Who in Science and Engineering
• International Travel Grant from Dept. of Science and Technology, India (2011)
• Postdoctoral Travel Fund from Virginia Tech (2007)
• Multiple prestigious fellowships during PhD studies at University of Nottingham

Dr. Kini leads the Ultrafast Spectroscopy Group at IISER Thiruvananthapuram, with laboratory facilities in the Physical Science Block. His research has attracted significant attention in the condensed matter physics community, with invitations to speak at international conferences including Phonons 2018 and E-MRS Spring Meeting 2012. His work on phonon cavities and bismuth-containing semiconductor alloys represents significant contributions to the field of semiconductor physics.