Renowned Indian Physicist Rohini Godbole dies at 72

Rohini Godbole, a pioneering Indian particle physicist and an ardent advocate for gender equality in science, passed away at 72, leaving a legacy that bridges scientific achievement with social justice.

Godbole, known for her contributions to particle physics and her activism for women’s rights in science, served at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) until her passing.

Godbole’s path in physics was unique. After teaching at the University of Mumbai for over a decade, she transitioned to full-time research in 1995 upon joining IISc.

Her contributions to particle physics included her prediction of the “Drees-Godbole Effect,” a phenomenon that influenced the design of particle colliders worldwide.

Recognized for her scientific excellence, Godbole was a fellow of India’s three national science academies and received both the Padma Shri and France’s Ordre National du Mérite in 2021.

Her efforts, however, extended far beyond the lab. Godbole led numerous initiatives to improve gender equity in Indian scientific fields, pushing for systemic change in an industry she often noted was slow to include women.

Her co-authored report surveying over 2,000 Indian women PhD holders remains an influential study in understanding the barriers women face in science, debunking myths and suggesting policies for greater inclusion.

At a time when discussing gender in scientific circles was unusual, she lobbied the Indian Academy of Sciences to create spaces for dialogue on women’s issues, highlighting the stark gender disparity within India’s science community.

“People were looking around and saying, ‘Do we really need to discuss this?’” she said, recalling resistance she faced.

Godbole’s passion for change was recognized in 2020 when she led the development of the Indian Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy’s first chapter on equity and inclusion, a historic step towards progressive policy in Indian science.

Even in the face of obstacles, Godbole maintained a positive outlook, focusing on the future of women in science. In her later years, she shared hopes for more male allyship in creating an equitable environment for future scientists.

Godbole’s resilience, passion, and commitment will be remembered by colleagues and students, along with the scientific community she helped reshape.