Prayagraj: Allahabad University alumnus and renowned physicist Prof Deepak Dhar has been selected for the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal, one of the highest honours in theoretical physics. The award was announced in Italy, bringing recognition to the university as well as Prof Dhar’s native Pratapgarh district.Born in Pratapgarh in 1951, Prof Dhar completed his BSc from Allahabad University in 1970. He is currently an INSA distinguished professor at International Centre for Theoretical Sciences in Bengaluru. The Dirac Medal, instituted in 1985 by Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, honours scientists for outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.The award carries a prize of US$5,000, along with a medal and certificate of honour. Prof. Dhar was earlier awarded the prestigious Boltzmann medal in 2022, becoming the first Indian scientist to receive the honour. In 2023, govt of India conferred Padma Bhushan on him for his contributions to science.Prof. KN Uttam, former head of AU’s Department of Physics, said an honorary degree was conferred on Prof. Dhar during the university’s centenary foundation day celebrations in 2023. His latest achievement has further enhanced the academic legacy of Allahabad University.
