Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan

Professor

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Biography

Nikku Madhusudhan is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, specializing in Exoplanetary Science. He leads the Hycean Worlds research group, focusing on the atmospheres, interiors, and formation mechanisms of exoplanets. His research encompasses the habitability of extraterrestrial worlds and the identification of biosignatures, contributing significantly to the understanding of potential life beyond Earth. Madhusudhan has a prominent academic background, having received his PhD and MS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and his B. Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, BHU. His postdoctoral experience includes positions at Yale University, Princeton University, and MIT. Professor Madhusudhan's research has earned him numerous accolades, highlighting his contributions to theoretical astrophysics and education in this field.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor of Astrophysics

2021-10-01 — Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Leads the Hycean Worlds research group, focusing on exoplanets.

Reader in Astrophysics

2017-10-01 — 2021-09-30

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Conducted research in Exoplanetary Science.

University Lecturer in Astrophysics

2013-11-01 — 2017-09-30

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Lectured on various topics in Astrophysics.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2012-01-01 — 2013-10-31

Yale University • New Haven, USA

Research position focusing on exoplanetary atmospheres.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2010-09-01 — 2011-12-31

Princeton University • Princeton, USA

Worked on theoretical models of exoplanets.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2009-08-01 — 2010-08-31

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, USA

Research in astrophysics focusing on exoplanets.

Awards

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MERAC Prize

2019-01-01
#

Pilkington Prize

2019-01-01
#

Young Scientist Medal

2016-01-01
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Vainu Bappu Gold Medal

2014-01-01
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YCAA Prize Fellowship

2011-01-01

Requirements for University of Cambridge

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
UK Bachelor's Degree with good Upper Second Class Honours or international equivalent Background in international relations, politics, law, economics, security or history is a definite asset
Application Checklist
  • Two academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Research proposal (1-2 pages/500 words)
  • Application fee (£50)
Specialization Notes

Standard postgraduate requirements for Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and related humanities departments.