Beyond her academic work, Godbole was a highly regarded science communicator, frequently engaging young students, scholars, and scientists with insightful talks covering all aspects of physics.
She completed her schooling at Huzurpaga School in Pune and went on to study at IIT Bombay, followed by Stony Brook University in New York. She later became a professor at the Centre for High Energy Physics at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
Renowned Physicist and Gender Equity Advocate Rohini Godbole Passes Away at 71
Professor Rohini Godbole, a distinguished physicist and a staunch advocate for gender equity in science, passed away on Friday in Bengaluru at the age of 71 after a brief illness. Known for her groundbreaking research in particle physics and her impactful efforts to promote equal opportunities for women in science, Godbole left a lasting legacy in both academia and society.
An alumna of Huzurpaga School in Pune, Godbole later pursued higher education at IIT Bombay and Stony Brook University in New York. She served as a professor at the Centre for High Energy Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, where she specialized in elementary particle physics, field theory, and phenomenology. Her research challenged conventional theories, asserting that the standard model for fundamental particles is insufficient and calling for innovative approaches to explain antimatter.
Throughout her career, Godbole was deeply committed to advancing gender equality. She co-authored the INSA Report: Access of Indian Women to Careers in Science, a pioneering document addressing the challenges faced by Indian women in science academia and careers. She also co-edited Lilavati’s Daughters, a collection of biographies on Indian women scientists, with Professor Ram Ramaswamy.
Godbole’s contributions extended beyond research; she was celebrated as a science communicator who captivated young audiences with her engaging talks and accessible explanations on complex physics topics. Former colleague Dilip S. Joag of Savitribai Phule Pune University described her as an “outstanding physicist” whose accelerator design proposals were integral to advancements at CERN in Geneva.
Her exemplary contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2019 and France’s National Medal of Merit in 2021. Godbole’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, fostering a more inclusive landscape in science and technology.
