From the Head's Desk

Welcome to the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at IISER Bhopal.  The notion of Earth as a dynamic system emerges as a paradigm shift to understanding planetary change. The key planetary processes operate and interact at spatial scales of about ten to fifteen orders of difference, also spanning seconds to millions of years. Understanding these complexities becomes more pressing than ever in the looming threat of planetary climate change and environmental issues. At the same time, it requires an integrated approach that spans classical and modern disciplines. Even the slow and past planetary processes are equally important in today’s context, as what we measure today is shaped by the evolution processes carried out physically and chemically at geological time scales. The existence of processes that are highly non-linear and have adaptive natures, such as biological interferences with the planetary processes, poses enormous challenges to the predictability of the Earth system.

Acknowledging the above critical requirements for science and society, we take a dedicated long-haul approach and perform interdisciplinary research in our department that not only builds scientific innovations but also provides science-based information to policymakers for a sustainable future. The department’s research spans critical areas that are aligned with national and global environmental priorities. By integrating principles from both the natural and engineering sciences, we aim to tackle geological and environmental issues related to the solid earth, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. This interdisciplinary methodology ensures a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's systems and provides better solutions to the challenges we face.

We believe in quality education. Our doctoral program is designed for those who wish to conduct in-depth research in the Earth and Environmental Sciences and allied fields and contribute to society through innovative solutions and discoveries. I believe that our researchers are equipped to push the boundaries of knowledge and tackle the challenges for societal benefits. We also offer a Bachelor of Science-Master of Science (Dual Degree) in EES/Geology/Environmental Sciences. This program provides a robust foundation in the core concepts in the field, and our approach not only equips students with a strong theoretical foundation but also emphasizes practical applications and problem-solving skills. By fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, we prepare our students to become leaders in addressing the pressing environmental issues of today and the future. 


Dr. Dhanyalekshmi K. Pillai
(Head of the Department)