Ashoke Sen Honored with 2026 Oskar Klein Medal

Professor Ashoke Sen has made history by becoming the first Indian physicist to receive the Oskar Klein Medal for the year 2026. The announcement was made by the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) based in Bengaluru on October 24, 2026. This prestigious recognition highlights Sen's significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics.

Sen, who holds the ICTS-Infosys Madhava Chair, is celebrated for his pioneering research in several areas including S-duality, black hole entropy, and string field theory. His work has played a crucial role in advancing modern string theory, a fundamental aspect of theoretical physics. The ICTS released a statement detailing his achievements, emphasizing the impact of his research on the scientific community.

On October 22, 2026, Sen delivered the Oskar Klein Memorial Lecture at Stockholm University, where he presented his insights on 'Gravity from Strings and Strings from Gravity.' His previous accolades include the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics in 2012 and the Dirac Medal in 2014, underscoring his prominence in the field.

Sen's list of honors is extensive, featuring the Infosys Prize in Mathematical Sciences (2009), the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1994), the ICTP Prize (1989), and national awards such as the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2013). His election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1998 further cements his status as a leading figure in physics.

The Oskar Klein Medal, named after the renowned Swedish physicist, recognizes outstanding contributions to the discipline of physics. Established in 1988, the medal has been awarded to several distinguished scientists, including Nobel laureates. It is presented annually by Stockholm University in collaboration with the Nobel Committee for Physics, reflecting the high esteem in which it is held within the scientific community.