Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is the cradle for space sciences in India and this you will understand after knowing about this premium institution. Established on 11 November 1947, it leads the country in atmospheric sciences, earth sciences, solar systems, astrophysics, and theoretical physics.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, an eminent scientist of India, was instrumental in the establishment of the laboratory. In the beginning, he started working from his residence and his first research was on cosmic rays. But soon it expanded its research subjects to other areas of space science. And the first milestone was achieved in the field of cosmic rays and atmospheric sciences.
Astronomy & space sciences are among the current research programs of the laboratory. The scientists associated with the PRL are studying star formation and the evolution of intermediate-mass stars. The lab uses a 1.2m telescope located at Mount Abu to collect astronomical observations. It also uses a 12 ft SPAR telescope for a different project.
PRL is known for continuing with scientific research and it is evident from the milestones achieved. Starting with cosmic rays and atmospheric sciences in 1950 to theoretical physics and radiophysics in 1960 to exoplanet detection in 2010, it is continuing its research and study in the scientific field.
It also works as an academic institute and gives awards to encourage scientific research in the country. The laboratory holds various seminars and delivers public lectures for the dissemination of scientific knowledge in society. Also, it offers a five-year doctoral program in physical sciences. Students interested in the course need to pass a written test and personal interview.
The laboratory also gives awards to budding scientists. Awards and honors encourage people to do better. They give recognition to the commendable work done by institutions and individual scientists. PRL has taken the initiative to create more opportunities for people that possess the knowledge, skills, and creativity needed to break barriers.
People interested in engineering sciences can go through the academic programs of the laboratory. They can attend seminars to get knowledge. Or they can listen to public lectures to get encouragement to develop scientific knowledge. The seminars and lectures are an opportunity for people to get one-on-one education from eminent scientists and academicians.
PRL is also an inspiration for other institutions that can follow its steps to disseminate scientific knowledge in the country. Its doctoral program sets a high standard in the education sector. Other institutes can take lessons from this program and try increasing their standard to match with that of PRL. This laboratory is working in the all-around scientific development of the country. It researches space science, works in the academic sector, and gives awards for the good job done by scientists.
Institutions like PRL are working for the development of science and technology in India, and their work is bearing fruits in the form of space technology, medical advancements, and in the sector of defense. But the biggest help of the institution is in the field of academics. It is to be noted that the laboratory runs doctoral programs for science students.
If you want to know more about PRL or generate interest in science, you can start visiting its seminars and attend the lectures. Also, you can get enrolled in the doctoral program. And, if, you are a scientist, you can work hard to get a national award from PRL.
PRL is playing a leading and crucial role in the development of scientific knowledge in the country. Students that want to excel in astrophysics, aeronomy, astronomy, and chemical sciences can get associated with the laboratory and take advantage of its resources.