SEESS, IISER Thiruvananthapuram

29/09/2026

🌍 PhD Opportunity at IISERTVM

The School of Earth, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram invites applications for PhD positions starting 2027. Exciting research problems are available across a broad range of expertise.

📅 Application deadline: 5 October 2026

🔗 Details of the school and available expertise and faculty: https://lnkd.in/dG48r8c4

A great opportunity to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.

Science

02/09/2026

On 31 August 2026, BS-MS students majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram visited the Varkala Cliff Section for a short geological field trip. The cliff exposes sandstone interbedded with clay and lignite, overlain by laterite at the top.

02/09/2026

Glimpses from a visit by our BS-MS students majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram to the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS)

The students enjoyed a guided tour of the state-of-the-art laboratories and had the opportunity to interact with the Director and scientists. Through these discussions, they gained valuable insights into the cutting-edge scientific problems being addressed at the centre and how interdisciplinary research is advancing our understanding of Earth systems.

A big thanks to NCESS for hosting us and to our faculty for coordinating this visit.

28/08/2026

Last week, IISER Thiruvananthapuram had the pleasure of welcoming 33 Class 10 students, with one student each from 33 different Model Schools across Tamil Nadu.

The outreach activity included an engaging and interactive introductory session on IISER by Dr. Thiruvengadam P., who introduced the students to the Institute, its academic programmes, and the exciting opportunities available in scientific research.

The group visited all the laboratories and research facilities at the SEESS. They learned about the diverse research activities being carried out at the School, and gained exposure to different areas of Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences.

The students came prepared with numerous questions and showed great enthusiasm in understanding the research being undertaken across the different laboratories.

17/07/2026

Researchers track whales from satellite eyes!

New paper led by Rebekah Shunmugapandi on “Evaluation of a satellite-derived Astaxanthin Equivalent Index against in situ zooplankton and right whale observations in the Gulf of Maine,” is now published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science. The study evaluates the potential of satellite ocean-colour observations to detect astaxanthin-rich zooplankton and support the identification of North Atlantic right whale feeding habitats.

Read the full article here: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/83/7/fsag122/8733979

05/06/2026

On World Environment Day, the School of Earth, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (SEESS) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, hosted a special lecture by Prof. D. Nagesh Kumar, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on “Role of Geospatial Tools in Urban Climate Resilience.” The talk highlighted how spatial data and geospatial technologies can inform sustainable urban planning, climate risks, and disaster management. The lecture sparked lively discussion among faculty and students, and was presided over by Prof. J. N. Moorthy, Director of IISER Thiruvananthapuram.

22/04/2026

Dr. Arvind Singh from the Geosciences Division of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad visited the School of Earth, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences and interacted with the faculty members and students. He also provided an overview of exciting research activities that his research group is engaged in.

07/04/2026

We are thrilled to share a new publication from Dr. Vishnu S titled 'Contribution of Low Pressure Systems Rainfall to Interannual Variability of the Indian Summer Monsoon' in the Journal of Climate: https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/aop/JCLI-D-25-0381.1/JCLI-D-25-0381.1.xml

This study quantifies the role of Monsoon Low Pressure Systems (LPS) in the yearly changes of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR). It finds that during years with heavy rainfall, LPS contributes to increased precipitation due to higher background humidity and upward air movement from its strengthened dynamic intensity. The study also points out that LPS are stronger and narrower in pluvial years compared to drought years, a factor often overlooked when using traditional intensity matrices. This highlights the need to revise the assessment of the intensity of tropical storms.

IISERTVM

Abstract Monsoon Low-Pressure Systems (LPS) are significant rain-bearing storms during the Indian summer monsoon, yet their impact on the interannual variation of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) remains uncertain. This study revisits the relationship between LPS and ISMR variations and extreme...

02/04/2026

At the IISERTVM, Dr. Unnikrishnan C.K, Scientist D, National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), delivered an engaging lecture on 🌩️ “Thunderstorms and Lightning Hotspots: Progress and Challenges in Observations and Modelling.”
Hosted under the COMPASS initiative at SEESS, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, the session ignited curiosity, inspired young researchers, and highlighted the critical role of atmospheric science in understanding a changing climate.

02/03/2026

We are happy to share that Arun Jo Mathew, a PhD student from the School of Earth, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, working under the guidance of Pramitha M, won the Best Presentation Award at the 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS 2026) held at NESAC, Umiam, Meghalaya. He presented his work titled 'GLOFI–A methodology and toolbox for scale-separation of satellite observations for analysis of gravity waves' under the scientific session on Middle Atmosphere, Atmospheric Coupling, Dynamics, Aeronomy, and Sun-Earth Connection, which was organised by ISRO.