Prof. Renu Malhotra
Award Year: 2006 | Degree Year: 1983
Prof. Renu Malhotra received her M.S. Degree in Physics (five-year programme) from IIT Delhi in 1983. She then went on to graduate school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, earning a Ph.D. (Physics) in 1988.
Prof. Malhotra is presently a Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Planetary Sciences and the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, where she is also a member of the Laplace Center for Astrobiology.
Prof. Malhotra was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Caltech from 1989 to 1991, and then a Staff Scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston from 1991 to 2000. In 2000, she became Professor.
Prof. Malhotra is engaged in research on the formation and history of our solar system and other planetary systems, and the astronomical conditions for the origin of life. One of her many scientific contributions is the theory that explains the ninth planet Pluto’s peculiar orbit. For this theory, she was given the 1997 Harold C. Urey Prize, the highest award given annually to a young scientist by the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences.
Prof. Malhotra’s work has revolutionized the field of planetary science by providing the theory that the giant planets of our solar system have migrated greatly from their formation sites. To her great achievement, the International Astronomical Union has named asteroid 6698 ‘Malhotra’ in honor of Prof. Renu Malhotra.
In addition to her usual professional activities, she takes an active interest in disseminating the excitement of new science to the public by writing in popular science and astronomy media and working with science journalists as well as public school teachers.
In honoring Prof. Renu Malhotra, IIT Delhi recognizes the outstanding contributions made by her as a Scientist and Researcher. Through her achievements, Prof. Renu Malhotra has brought glory to the name of this Institute.
