IISER and NISER alumni are making a significant impact on the future of science through their innovative research. Notable scientists like Dr Manish Garg, who received the Rudolf Kaiser Prize, and Dr Yusuf Jameel at MIT are advancing the fields of physics and environmental science. Additionally, innovators such as Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi, the co-founders of SciAstra, are revolutionizing science education. Their journeys highlight the importance of curiosity, dedication, and exceptional mentorship, motivating future generations to explore the frontiers of knowledge and discovery.
Let us dive into what sets IISER and NISER Alumni apart.
What Makes IISER and NISER Alumni Unique?
IISER and NISER alumni stand out for their strong foundation in research-driven education, guided by highly qualified faculty from top institutions worldwide. With access to advanced labs and research facilities, students gain hands-on experience that fosters independent thinking and innovation. Opportunities like internships, exchange programs, and global conferences expose them to diverse career paths in academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship. This unique combination of rigorous training, mentorship, and world-class resources shapes alumni into leaders who make meaningful contributions to science and inspire the next generation.
Do you wanna know about these institutes and which is better? Check out this blog.
Alumni Who Redefined Science:
There are various names from IISER and NISER, making a significant impact across various fields, not limited to research but also in science education and entrepreneurship, inspiring tomorrow’s generation with today’s impact.
From IISERs, Dr Manish Garg was Awarded the Rudolf Kaiser Prize in 2022 for his groundbreaking work in quantum physics. Dr Rajveer Nehra, advancing molecular biology as an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Dr Basudev Roy, shaping the next generation of scientists as an Associate Professor at IIT Kanpur.
From NISER, Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi, revolutionizing science education in India and guiding students towards careers in research. They are the Co-founders of SciAstra. Dr Narismiha Suda and Abhinav Yadav have founded Wave AI, driving innovations in artificial intelligence.
There are even more names, you’ll get to know later in this blog.
These alumni represent the spirit of IISER and NISER, setting examples for future generations, and redefining science to make a lasting impact on society.
Leading the World in Research and Academia:
IISER and NISER alumni are making outstanding contributions in global research and academia, setting benchmarks in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Their success showcases the strength of research-driven education and the value of mentorship these institutes provide.
For example, Dr Manish Garg, an IISER alumnus, is now a leading researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Germany and was honored with the prestigious Rudolf Kaiser Prize 2022 for developing a quantum microscope that probes electronic and atomic dynamics. Similarly, Dr Rajveer Nehra from IISER is advancing molecular biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
From the NISER community, Sai Neha Santpur, a 2016 graduate, is making strides in particle physics at the Large Hadron Collider, contributing to groundbreaking research in fundamental physics.
These remarkable individuals began their journeys at IISER and NISER, where they were encouraged to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and explore new ideas without hesitation. Their achievements prove that with a strong foundation and the right mentorship, IISER and NISER graduates are equipped to lead, inspire, and drive innovations in their fields globally.
Alumni Who Founded Startups and Companies:
IISER and NISER alumni have made their mark as entrepreneurs, merging scientific insight with innovative business solutions to address real-world challenges:
- Rafeeq Mavoor (IISER TVM): Founder of Scidart Academy, Rafeeq combines his expertise in chemistry and artistic skills to train researchers in creating compelling scientific illustrations. With collaborations with organizations like Novo Nordisk and JoVE, he has transformed how scientific research is visually communicated.
- Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi (NISER): Co-founders of SciAstra, they identified a gap in career guidance for aspiring scientists and created a platform to inspire and mentor students in research-oriented fields. SciAstra has impacted thousands, showing students the exciting possibilities beyond conventional career paths.
- Narasimha Suda and Abhinav Yadav (NISER): Founders of Wavel AI, they are revolutionizing artificial intelligence with a focus on enhancing audio and language technologies, applying science to redefine everyday interactions with AI.
- Rahul Sharma (IISER Pune): Co-founder of a biotech startup focused on using genomics to develop solutions in agriculture and healthcare. His venture addresses pressing issues like crop resilience and personalized medicine.
- Bhargav Sri Prakash (IISER): Founder of FriendsLearn, a digital health startup pioneering “digital vaccines” to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University, Bhargav’s venture focuses on neurocognitive computing and gamification through platforms like the mobile app Fooya.
SciAstra and the Power of Mentorship: Alumni Giving Back to Future Scientists
One of the most powerful ways IISERs and NISER alumni are giving back is through mentorship, and SciAstra is a shining example. Founded by NISER alumni Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi, SciAstra is a platform dedicated to helping students pursue careers in science. Their vision is simple: to promote critical thinking and a scientific mindset among young learners.
SciAstra brings together a team of experts from top research institutes like Oxford, Harvard, IISER, NISER, IACS, and ISI, who teach students in live classes and provide everything they need to succeed – study materials, mock tests, books, and more. Since its inception, SciAstra has taught over 10,000 students, with more than 1,000 selections in prestigious institutes like IISc, IISERs, and NISER. Many of their students have achieved top ranks such as AIR 1, 7, 10, and 12 in national exams like IAT and NEST.
What makes SciAstra special is its focus on mentorship. Vivek, Akhil, and their team of passionate mentors guide students not just to succeed in exams but to think like scientists. They help students understand the importance of asking questions, exploring ideas, and developing a curiosity-driven approach to learning.
By offering both free and paid courses, SciAstra is making science education accessible to everyone. The team’s dedication to helping students grow into confident, curious, and capable scientists is what truly sets SciAstra apart. Through this platform, IISER and NISER alumni are shaping the next generation of scientists and researchers, inspiring them to reach new heights in their academic journeys.
Alumni With a Global Vision of IISER and NISER:
IISER and NISER alumni are making a global impact, taking their scientific expertise and vision beyond borders. From groundbreaking research to leadership roles at top institutions, they are shaping the future of science worldwide.
Dr. Manish Garg, a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, is leading cutting-edge research in solid-state physics, while Dr. Rajveer Nehra at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is advancing materials science. These alumni exemplify the power of a research-driven education, pushing the frontiers of knowledge on the global stage.
Dr. Yusuf Jameel, a research scientist at MIT, and Dr. Mrinimay Biswas at IIT Kanpur are working on projects that have the potential to transform our understanding of environmental science and biology.
These success stories show that the education and mentorship at IISER and NISER prepare students to think globally, take on challenges, and contribute to scientific advancements that impact the world. Their work inspires the next generation of scientists to dream big, think beyond their surroundings, and strive for excellence on a global scale.
Conclusion: From Labs to the Stage of the World
The journey of IISER and NISER alumni is a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent, passion, and perseverance come together. From pioneering research in global labs to leading change in industries and education, these graduates are lighting the way for future scientists. They’ve shown that with the right foundation, anything is possible – from the lab to the world stage.
Their stories inspire us all to think bigger, push boundaries, and make an impact that reaches far beyond what we imagine. Whether in academia, startups, or corporate leadership, IISER and NISER alumni are proving that science is not just a field of study – it’s a way to change the world. As they continue to blaze new trails, they are not only creating their own legacies but also paving the way for the next generation of innovators, researchers, and leaders.
FAQs:
- What makes IISER and NISER special for aspiring scientists?
IISER and NISER offer a research-driven education, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with the skills and opportunities to pursue impactful careers in science. - How can SciAstra help me in my scientific career?
SciAstra offers mentorship from top institutes like IISER, NISER, and IISc, providing resources, guidance, and support to help students excel in exams and pursue successful careers in science. - What types of career opportunities can I explore after graduating from IISER or NISER?
Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, industry, government, and even entrepreneurship, with opportunities to work globally in fields like biology, physics, chemistry, and technology. - How do IISER and NISER alumni contribute to the scientific community?
IISER and NISER alumni lead groundbreaking research, mentor the next generation of scientists, and drive innovation in academia, industry, and startups, shaping the future of science globally.
About Us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, etc., teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!
