Image credit: https://www.deepsynoptic.org/key-science/multimessenger
Relativistic magnetized plasmas govern some of the most energetic astrophysical phenomena, including black hole accretion disks, relativistic jets, neutron star mergers, and pulsar magnetospheres. General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) provides the essential theoretical and computational framework to model these systems. With the rapid growth of multi-messenger astronomy driven by observations from LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA and the Event Horizon Telescope and the increasing importance of electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave events, the need for researchers trained in GRMHD has become increasingly significant. Despite its importance, formal training in GRMHD remains limited in India, particularly at the interface of general relativity, plasma physics, and numerical computation. In particular, the 3+1 formalism of general relativity, which underpins modern numerical relativity and GRMHD simulations, will be introduced as a key conceptual and computational framework. This workshop aims to address this gap by providing participants with a structured introduction to relativistic plasma physics, the foundations of general relativity, and modern numerical techniques used in GRMHD.
The program will combine lectures with structured hands-on sessions, enabling participants to develop both conceptual understanding and practical familiarity with simulation workflows. Emphasis will be placed on pedagogy, problem-solving, and interactive learning. This initiative aligns with IUCAA’s mission of strengthening advanced training and fostering interdisciplinary research in astrophysics. The workshop will also serve as a platform to identify potential research problems and initiate collaborations in GRMHD.
Target Audience: Final year MSc students, PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty members engaged in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics.
Coordinators: Dr Gurudatt Gaur (SXCA), Dr Nishant K Singh (IUCAA, Pune), Dr Anand Sengupta (IIT Gandhinagar)
Organising Team: Dr Rahul Kashyap (IIT Bombay), Prof Jay Vyas (Assistant Professor), Prof Chetan Verma (Assistant Professor), Dr Mrudul Gadhvi (Associate Professor & Coordinator, Dept of Physics – Electronics), Fr Ramesh Macwan (Treasurer, SXCA), Mr Jignesh Makwana (Accountant, SXCA), Fr Johnson M (Head, Admin, SXCA)
About St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad: Established in 1955, offers programmes in Arts-Humanities, Sciences, Computer Sciences and Commerce. Being one of the first colleges in the state of Gujarat to have been accredited by NAAC in the year 2001 with five stars, it has thereafter been an impetus to maintain a continuum of quality education and grow with every accreditation and the Autonomy status. The academic autonomy has allowed the institution to foray into higher realms of education. With its Ignatius pedagogical paradigm that encompasses the three elements of experience, reflection and action, a holistic view of the world is pronounced. The ethos and energy of the institution is due to its values, inclusiveness, equity and diverse cultures. The college has been ranked in the top colleges by GSIRF, NIRF, the India Today and The Week Surveys of Best Colleges. Xavier’s is not just a college, it is a way of life.
About Department of Physics and Electronics: Amongst the oldest , the department is known for its academic excellence and offering research opportunities to students in the final year. It has a theoretical Physics laboratory and Nanoparticle Research Laboratory with computational facility to meet the need of lovers of Physics. The department regularly offers seminars and talks in astronomy, condensed matter physics, theoretical physics and environmental physics under the title ‘Physics for Tomorrow’. More information about the department can be found at https://sxca.edu.in/academics/departments/science/physics-and-electronics/.