Bridging Observations and Simulations in CGM–IGM Science

Conference, Seminar Hall, Dhauladhar Campus, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, H.P., India, 2026

Organised by: IUCAA, Central University of Himachal Pradesh

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About the Conference

The meeting “Bridging Observations and Simulations in CGM–IGM Science” will be held from 4–6 September 2026 at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala.

The circumgalactic medium (CGM) and intergalactic medium (IGM) are fundamental components of the cosmic web, serving as the primary reservoirs of baryonic matter and playing a central role in galaxy evolution. Recent advances in high-quality spectroscopic observations and cosmological simulations have opened new opportunities to investigate the physical, chemical, and dynamical properties of these diffuse media.

This meeting aims to bring together researchers working in observations, theory, and numerical simulations to discuss the latest developments in CGM–IGM science. Scientific sessions will cover absorption-line spectroscopy, galaxy–CGM interactions, feedback processes, baryon cycling, IGM tomography, and modern simulation techniques. The workshop will also provide an excellent platform for students and early-career researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and establish new collaborations.

No registration fee. Accommodation, meals, and travel support (for university participants only) will be provided.


Scientific Themes

  • Circumgalactic and Intergalactic Medium
  • Absorption-Line Spectroscopy
  • Galaxy Evolution and Feedback
  • Gas Accretion and Outflows
  • Multiwavelength Observations
  • Cosmological Simulations
  • Observation–Simulation Synergy
  • Machine Learning Applications
  • Future Astronomical Facilities and Surveys

Venue

Seminar Hall
Dhauladhar Campus
Central University of Himachal Pradesh
District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
India – 176215


How to Reach

By Air

Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Gaggal), approximately 10 km from the university campus.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Cantt (PKTC), approximately 60 km from the campus.

By Road

The Dharamshala campus is well connected by road.

Approximate distances:

  • Pathankot – 80 km
  • Chandigarh – 225 km
  • Delhi – 525 km

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y8TLwJDbiRtn1JQu6


Expected Outcomes

  • Exchange of recent advances in CGM–IGM research
  • Stronger collaborations between observational and theoretical researchers
  • Exposure to state-of-the-art observational facilities and simulations
  • Research opportunities for students and early-career scientists
  • Development of future collaborative projects in extragalactic astrophysics

Coordinators

  1. Prof. Hum Chand (CUHP)
    Email: humchand@hpcu.ac.in

  2. Prof. R. Srianand (IUCAA)
    Email: anand@iucaa.in


Scientific Organizing Committee

NameAffiliationRoleEmail
Prof. R. SrianandIUCAAChairanand@iucaa.in
Prof. Vikram KhareIIT TirupatiConvenervikramk@iittp.ac.in
Prof. Prakash GaikwadIIT IndoreMembergaikwad@iiti.ac.in
Prof. Nishikant KhandaiNISERMembernkhandai@niser.ac.in
Prof. Sowgat MujahidIUCAAMembersowgat@iucaa.in
Prof. Rajeshwari DuttaIUCAAMemberrajeshwari.dutta@iucaa.in
Prof. Hum ChandCUHPMemberhumchand@hpcu.ac.in

Local Organising Committee

NameRoleEmail
Mr. Madhu SudanLOC Membermadhu92265.sudan@gmail.com
Mr. Paryag SharmaLOC Memberpanditparyag@gmail.com
Mr. Anshul Kumar SharmaLOC Memberaksharma120102@gmail.com
Ms. Priya SharmaLOC Memberpriya.insights02@gmail.com
Mr. Vishal ThakurLOC Memberthakurvishal20610@gmail.com
Mr. Sachin PandeyLOC Member25mph010@nith.ac.in
Mr. Saikhom JohnsonLOC Membersaikhomjohnson007@gmail.com

Participants

NameAffiliation
Prof. Raghunathan SrianandInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Prof. Hum ChandCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Prof. Vikram Kisan KhaireIndian Institute of Technology Tirupati
Prof. Sowgat MuzahidInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Prof. Rajeshwari DuttaInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Prof. Prakash GaikwadIndian Institute of Technology Indore
Prof. Nishikanta KhandaiNational Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
Prof. Pankaj KushwahaIndian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali
Dr. Abhijeet AnandInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
Dr. Ritish KumarInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Dr. Anirban ChakrabortyInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Mr. Madhu SudanCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Mr. Paryag SharmaCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Mr. Kartik KambhampatiIndian Institute of Technology Indore
Ms. Reena ChaudharyIndian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
Mr. Subhajit PalJadavpur University
Mr. DharmenderCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Ms. Priya SharmaCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Mr. Sumukha R BharadwajIndian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Mr. Suvajit SardarIndian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Mr. Meemik RoyIndian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Mr. Abhiram KIndian Institute of Science
Mr. Tamal MukherjeeMacquarie University
Mr. Jashanpreet Singh DingraGuru Dev University, Amritsar
Mr. Samir Niranjan SethiIndian Institute of Technology Indore
Ms. Anukalpa BhaumikIndian Institute of Astrophysics
Mr. Pratik Chandra NathNational Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
Mr. Himanshu KhirswalHemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
Ms. Khushi MehtaCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Mr. Anshul Kumar SharmaCentral University of Himachal Pradesh
Mr. Saikhom Johnson SinghManipur University
Mr. Zahid MamudThe Assam Royal Global University
Mr. Arnab BiswasNational Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar
Ms. Gayatri PNational Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar


We look forward to welcoming researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students from across the country to Dharamshala for three days of scientific discussions, collaboration, and the exchange of new ideas in CGM–IGM science.