Sudipta Sasmal | Space Exploration | Innovation in Science Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudipta Sasmal | Space Exploration | Innovation in Science Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudipta Sasmal | Institute of Astronomy Space and Earth Science | India

Dr. Sudipta Sasmal is an accomplished physicist with more than 18 years of research experience in Space and Atmospheric Sciences, specializing in the complex interactions between the near-Earth space environment and the atmosphere. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Co-Founder of the Institute of Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences (IASES), and is the Principal Investigator of the Space Technology and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (STARLaB). His research expertise spans ionospheric dynamics, low-frequency radio wave propagation, solar–terrestrial coupling, atmospheric wave processes, electromagnetic interactions, lightning physics, and Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere (LAI) coupling mechanisms. Dr. Sasmal has contributed extensively to space weather monitoring and ionospheric remote sensing using GNSS-TEC, VLF/ELF/ULF instrumentation, satellite datasets (Swarm, COSMIC, SABER, MODIS, ERA5), and lightning detection networks including WWLLN, BOLTEK, and ILDN. He has played a leading role in developing scientific instrumentation, sensor networks, and field experiments across India, Antarctica, and international research stations. His significant Antarctic research includes installing multiple VLF systems at Maitri and Bharati stations and conducting cosmic-ray experiments along polar transit routes. He has established STARLaB at IASES, built VLF observation networks in India and Japan, and contributed to developing advanced ionospheric laboratories and observatories. As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, he has led several national and international funded projects from agencies such as MoES, SERB-DST, DST-JSPS, and the Government of West Bengal. Dr. Sasmal serves as Visiting Professor at the University of Electro-Communications (Japan) and Visiting Scientist at the University of West Attica (Greece). Recognized as a Ph.D. supervisor by multiple universities, he has supervised several doctoral researchers who now hold prestigious postdoctoral positions. He actively teaches astrophysics, space physics, and data-driven atmospheric modeling at multiple academic institutions.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Nanda, K., Sasmal, S., Hayakawa, M., Solovieva, M., Kopylova, G., & Potirakis, S. M. (2025). Towards understanding earthquake preparatory dynamics: A multi-parametric investigation of the 2025 Kamchatka Mw 8.8 event. Atmosphere, 16(12), 1328. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16121328

Bhaskar, D., Tripathi, R., Shrivastava, M. N., Singh, R., Sasmal, S., Datta, A., & Maurya, A. K. (2025). Lower ionospheric perturbations associated with lightning activity over low and equatorial regions. Atmosphere, 16(7), 832. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16070832

Borchevkina, O. P., Timchenko, A. V., Bessarab, F. S., Kurdyaeva, Y. A., Karpov, I. V., Yakimova, G. A., Golubkov, M. G., Stepanov, I. G., Sasmal, S., & Dmitriev, A. V. (2025). Regional total electron content disturbance during a meteorological storm. Atmosphere, 16(6), 690. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16060690

Pal, S. K., Sarkar, S., Nanda, K., Sanyal, A., Brawar, B., Datta, A., Potirakis, S. M., Maurya, A. K., Bhattacharya, A., Panchadhyayee, P., et al. (2025). Global response of vertical total electron content to Mother’s Day G5 geomagnetic storm of May 2024: Insights from IGS and GIM observations. Atmosphere, 16(5), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050529

Nanda, K., Sasmal, S., Hazra, R., Datta, A., Panchadhyayee, P., & Potirakis, S. M. (2025). Study on the distribution of gravity wave (GW) activity in six Bay of Bengal tropical cyclones. Atmosphere, 16(2), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16020235

Saad Abd-Elkader Hassn | Space Exploration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Saad Abd-Elkader Hassn | Space Exploration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Saad Abd-Elkader Hassn, National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG),Egypt

Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Hassan is an Assistant Researcher at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Cairo, Egypt. With a strong academic background in astrophysics from Al-Azhar University, his research focuses on high-energy astrophysics, particularly the X-ray properties of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and blazars. He has participated in several international schools and conferences, enhancing his expertise in cosmic phenomena. Currently pursuing his Ph.D., Dr. Hassan is dedicated to advancing our understanding of galaxy evolution and the dynamic behavior of AGNs.

Author Profile

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🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

From an early stage, Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Hassan demonstrated an exceptional curiosity about the universe’s workings, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, graduating in 2014. His graduation project, centered on the three-body problem, reflected a strong foundational interest in gravitational dynamics and orbital mechanics—key concepts that underpin modern astrophysics. Driven by an enduring passion for space science, Dr. Hassan advanced his academic journey by enrolling in a Master’s program in Astrophysics at the same institution. He completed his M.Sc. in 2020 with a research thesis titled “Suzaku X-ray Studies of Some Active Galactic Nuclei BL Lacertae Type.” This study marked his entry into the specialized field of high-energy astrophysics, particularly focusing on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), among the universe’s most enigmatic and energetic phenomena. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at Al-Azhar University, with a focus on “Some Advanced X-ray Studies of Active Galactic Nuclei Blazars Type,” signaling his continued commitment to unveiling the energetic behavior of distant galaxies and their central supermassive black holes.

🚀 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Hassan holds the position of Assistant Researcher at the prestigious National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Helwan, Cairo. At NRIAG, he engages in both observational and theoretical research, contributing to the institute’s long-standing reputation in space science and geophysics. In his role, he collaborates with leading astronomers and participates in national and international scientific dialogues. His professional environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which is evident in his diverse skill set—from astrophysical data analysis to critical thinking and communication.

🔭 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hassan’s research concentrates on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and blazars, high-energy sources powered by accreting supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. Through X-ray studies—primarily using satellite missions like Suzaku—he investigates the emission mechanisms, structural characteristics, and variability of AGNs. His work contributes significantly to the understanding of the Unified Model of AGN, helping explain how orientation and surrounding structures influence their observed properties. These findings are instrumental in refining cosmological models and understanding the evolution of galaxies and the universe at large. By investigating the rapid and dramatic changes in AGN emissions, Dr. Hassan addresses key gaps in existing theoretical frameworks, especially those involving short-timescale variability such as X-ray flares and outbursts. His research pushes the boundaries of current knowledge in high-energy astrophysics.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Hassan has actively participated in multiple high-profile astronomy conferences and training schools that have sharpened his technical acumen and broadened his professional network. These include:

  • The Arab Conference on Astronomy and Geophysics (ACAG) – 2018, 2021, 2023

  • IAU MEARIM Regional Meeting – 2023

  • International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) – 2018

  • Arab Astronomical Society (ArAS) Schools for Astrophysics – 2019 to 2023

These events not only recognized his potential but also provided platforms for showcasing his research to a broader international community.

🌌 Impact and Influence

Through his scholarly contributions and active involvement in scientific discourse, Dr. Hassan is emerging as a thought leader among early-career astrophysicists in the MENA region. His work on AGNs is increasingly relevant in an era where space telescopes are capturing unprecedented high-resolution data, demanding expertise in interpretation and theoretical modeling. He also plays a role in mentoring young astronomers, sharing knowledge acquired through years of academic rigor and field experience. His presence at repeated advanced astrophysics schools underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Saad Abd-Elkader Hassan aspires to delve deeper into multi-wavelength astrophysics, incorporating radio, optical, and X-ray data to form a holistic understanding of galactic nuclei. He aims to contribute to upcoming missions and potentially collaborate on space observatory projects across international borders. With a strong publication record, active research agenda, and growing recognition in the astrophysics community, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy not only as a dedicated researcher but also as an educator and scientific ambassador for Egyptian and Arab space science.

✍️Notable Publications

Frequency and photometric analysis of the short period pulsating star yz boo

Author: M Abdel-Sabour, MI Nouh, S Ata, M Darwish
Journal: NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics
Year: 2021
Author: AA Saad, MA Nasser, MA Ahmed, MM Beheary
Journal: Revista mexicana de astronomía y astrofísica
2021
Author: C Andrade, PA Duverne, J Liu, F Navarete, AE Abdelaziz, M Abdelkareem,
Journal: Research Notes of the AAS
Year:  2024