Ramanath Cowsik

Ramanath Cowsik is a Professor of Physics and James S. McDonnell Professor of Space Sciences at Washington University. He holds academic affiliations with the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences and has been a leader in astrophysics research for decades. His work spans cosmology, non-accelerator particle physics, and gravitation.

Education: PhD from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Bombay University), MS from Karnatak University, BS from Mysore University. Professional history includes roles as Distinguished Professor at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

Research focuses on cosmic rays, dark matter, and gravity experiments. Notable contributions include the 'leaky-box' model for cosmic ray propagation and foundational work on dark matter composition. Current projects involve precision torsion balance experiments to test gravitational inverse-square law violations.

• Established the world's highest optical/infrared observatory in Hanle, Ladakh
• Proposed neutrino mass bounds and weakly-interacting dark matter candidates

Awards include Padma Shri (India's 4th highest civilian honor), Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and TWAS Physics Prize.