Manipal

Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences (MCNS), Manipal

Unravelling the secrets of space, particles, and life

We redefine the boundaries of natural sciences from the quantum to the cosmic

Established in 2011 under the Manipal Advanced Research Group (MARG) and recognised as a Centre of Excellence in 2012, the Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences (MCNS) is one of our pioneering “all-research” centres, dedicated to advancing fundamental and interdisciplinary research in the natural sciences. MCNS has particular strengths in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, Computational Chemistry, and Evolutionary Biology, supported by specialised research infrastructure, including the dedicated ‘Shakti’ High-Performance Computing Cluster.

Home to one of India’s largest university-level astronomy programs, we integrate advanced research with Integrated M.Sc.-PhD and PhD programs in Physics, Computational Chemistry and Evolutionary Biology, creating an environment where students learn alongside active researchers. Collaborations with organisations such as ISRO, IIA, IISc, IAEA and Leibniz Universität Hannover, along with conferences and workshops, connect scholars to the wider scientific community. The Centre also hosts the Dr. T. M. A. Pai Planetarium, extending science and astronomy engagement beyond the university to the community.

MCNS

Programs

Integrated M.Sc. – Ph.D. in Physics Program

International Collaborations

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an internationally affiliated institution with active partnerships with more than 250 leading universities around the globe. Our relations with institutions, government agencies, and organisations in study, research, and service facilitate your access to world-class institutions, experiences, and resources.

MAHE Student’s

Scholarship

At MAHE, our diverse scholarship schemes recognise merit and support eligible students in realizing their academic dreams.

Know more

New-Age

Infrastructure

Computational Lab

Designed to simulate the universe and other simulations on computers.

Astro Lab/ Planetarium

A Carl Zeiss ZKPII Model planetarium projector, Mirror Dome projection system and 12-inch telescope to encourage scientific exploration.

Labs & Observatories

Avail leading national and international observatories like Indian Astronomical Observatory and Fermi gamma-ray telescope for advanced research.

Computational Lab

Designed to simulate the universe and other simulations on computers.

Astro Lab/ Planetarium

A Carl Zeiss ZKPII Model planetarium projector, Mirror Dome projection system and 12-inch telescope to encourage scientific exploration.

Labs & Observatories

Avail leading national and international observatories like Indian Astronomical Observatory and Fermi gamma-ray telescope for advanced research.

MCNS

Student Life

You will be provided with opportunities to attend workshops and conferences, which include training with ISRO and leading astronomy and research-oriented institutes. To bring balance to the intense academic work, you can join student-led clubs like reading club, movie club, and nature club. These clubs offer you the opportunity to unwind through book reading, nature walks/hikes and movie screenings, building a community beyond labs and experiments.

Learn through workshops, conferences, and training

MCNS

Student Life

Build community through clubs and activities

Explore interests beyond academics and research

Learn through workshops, conferences, and training

Director’s Message

The Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences is a unique Centre of Excellence at MAHE.  The Centre aims to nurture fundamental research in Natural Sciences and promote independent thinking and creative pursuits. The Centre has both academic and research programs leading to a Ph.D in areas of Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Computational Chemistry and Evolutionary Biology.  In addition, MCNS offers a 5-year Integrated MSc-Ph.D program in Physics with a 1 year dedicated MSc project which fast-tracks bright students towards their Ph.D research. MCNS strives to excel in research and maintain high quality student teaching and training, more than three-quarters of our faculties pursue astrophysics research with close links to national / international ground-based & space-based facilities (GMRT, IAO, DOT, SKA, AstroSat, Aditya-L1, XpoSat, Chandrayaan, Venus Orbiter Mission), making MCNS the largest astronomy research group in India in the University sector.