Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

Welcome to the D ecoding P hase T ransitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond. Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths. We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys. Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom. 👉 Follow the DPT

Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Dr. Sananda Biswas, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Dr. Sananda Biswas hosts Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast, a education show with 22 episodes published.

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  Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

  Inside Physical Review Letters: Dr. Sami Mitra on AI, Publishing & the Future of Research

  Sep 16, 20262h 28m

  Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast || Ep.23 || Guest: Dr. Samindranath Mitra — Sami In this episode, I speak with Dr. Samindranath Mitra, Senior Editor at Physical Review Letters — PRL. We discuss what happens behind the scenes in scientific publishing: what editors look for, why PRL is selective, what “novelty” really means, how reviewers are chosen, how conflicting reports are handled, and what young researchers should understand before submitting their work. We also trace Sami’s own journey — from childhood in Kolkata and Delhi, to St. Stephen’s College, IIT Kanpur, Indiana University Bloomington, KTH Sweden, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and eventually PRL. A major theme of this episode is the changing research landscape: AI in writing, reviewing, publishing, and scientific thinking. What can AI help with? Where should we be cautious? And what does it mean for authorship, judgment, and the future of research? Note: the audio may sound slightly choppy during the first ten-thirteen minutes, but it settles down after that and does not affect the flow of the conversation. Highlights from this episode: ✨ From researcher to editor ✨ Why PRL is selective ✨ What makes a good editor ✨ St. Stephen’s College, IIT Kanpur, and Indiana University ✨ Myths around publishing ✨ What “novel” research really means ✨ How reviewers and third reviewers are chosen ✨ How conflicting referee reports are handled ✨ AI concerns from an editor’s perspective ✨ Advice for young researchers ️ About the Guest: Dr. Samindranath Mitra is a Senior Editor at Physical Review Letters. He studied Physics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, spent time at IIT Kanpur, and completed his graduate studies at Indiana University Bloomington. His later research journey included KTH Sweden and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine before he joined PRL. LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/samimitra/ Resources & Links: Physical Review Letters: https://journals.aps.org/prl APS Journals: https://journals.aps.org Dr. Samindranath Mitra – PRL / APS profile: https://journals.aps.org/prl/staff St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, India: https://www.ststephens.edu Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA : https://bloomington.iu.edu Chandan Dasgupta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandan_Dasgupta Allan H. MacDonald: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_H._MacDonald Steve Girvin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Girvin As always, you can find the people, places, and topics discussed in the show notes or in the description box below. The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with Sananda Biswas: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:25 – From Researcher to Editor 07:35 – Surprises in the Editorial Role 09:34 – Why PRL Is Moderately Selective 13:31 – What Makes a Good Editor 15:46 – Balancing Editorial Work with Research 18:43 – Why Research Is Important for Editors 19:45 – Childhood in Kolkata and Delhi 28:04 – Schooling 33:07 – Choosing Physics in College 37:44 – Decision Patterns 40:45 – Leaving IIT Kanpur Twice? 43:12 – Role of Teachers and Family 54:04 – Moving to the US for PhD 01:04:11 – PhD Research Questions 01:16:21 – Concerns About AI 01:25:24 – In-Between Jobs 01:28:45 – Joining PRL as an Editor 01:35:20 – Myths Around Publishing 01:41:11 – Publishing “Novel” Research 01:44:32 – Writing Your Cover Letter 01:50:12 – About Reviewers 01:52:21 – When Journals Approach a Third Reviewer 01:53:52 – How Conflicting Reports Are Handled 01:56:37 – AI Concerns: An Editor’s Perspective 02:08:10 – Significant Papers That Came to Him 02:10:20 – Fun Trivia with Dr. Sami Mitra 02:22:01 – Advice to His Younger Self 02:26:16 – Final Thoughts #DPTPodcast #SamindranathMitra #SamiMitra #PhysicalReviewLetters #PRL #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificPublishing #PeerReview #AcademicPublishing #AIInResearch #ResearchCareer #PhDJourney #PhysicsResearch #SciencePodcast #AcademicCareerDecoding Phase

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  Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

  Prof. Prasenjit Sen on AI, Materials Discovery and Building a Life in Physics || DPT Podcast

  Sep 2, 20261h 53m

  Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast || Ep. 22 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Sen In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Prof. Prasenjit Sen, Professor of Physics at the Harish-Chandra Research Institute - HRI, India. One important part of the conversation is Prof. Sen’s reflection on a challenging phase of his early research career, when a computational project remained stalled because the necessary resources were not available due to geopolitical reasons. We discuss what that experience taught him about perseverance, practical judgment, and the importance of keeping more than one research direction alive. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Schooling, family, and early influences ✨ The experience at Presidency College, Kolkata ✨ Master’s and PhD days at IIT Kanpur ✨ Research life at TIFR, Mumbai ✨ Difficult phase in early research career ✨ Moving to the United States for postdoctoral research ✨ Research at Chicago and North Carolina ✨ Returning to India and joining HRI ✨ Teaching philosophy and mentoring students ✨ AI and machine learning in materials research ✨ How AI is changing the research landscape ✨ Advice for newly appointed faculty members ️ About The Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Sen is a Professor of Physics at the Harish-Chandra Research Institute — HRI — in Prayagraj, India. He studied Physics at Presidency College, Kolkata, before completing both his Master’s degree and PhD in Physics at IIT Kanpur. After his PhD, he joined TIFR Mumbai as a Visiting Fellow. His later research journey took him to the United States, including Urbana, the University of Illinois Chicago, and North Carolina State University, before he returned to India and joined HRI as a faculty member. His research interests include high-temperature superconductivity, quantum Monte Carlo methods, density functional theory, atomic clusters, magnetism, two-dimensional van der Waals materials, materials for alternative energy, and the use of machine learning and generative AI for materials discovery. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=t6vcf4_IvjcC&hl=en Webpage: https://www.hri.res.in/~prasen/ Email: prasen@hri.res.in Resources & Links : Harish-Chandra Research Institute : https://www.hri.res.in Presidency College/Presidency University, Kolkata, India : https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ IIT Kanpur, India : https://www.iitk.ac.in Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, India : https://www.tifr.res.in University of Illinois Chicago, USA : https://www.uic.edu North Carolina State University : https://www.ncsu.edu Lubos Mitas : https://physics.sciences.ncsu.edu/people/lmitas/ Dilip Kanhere : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=RY70A_sAAAAJ&hl=en Nandini Trivedi : https://physics.osu.edu/people/trivedi.15 Mohit Randeria : https://physics.osu.edu/people/randeria.1 The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music, and all other major podcast streaming platforms. Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 04:41 – Early Childhood 10:00 – Schooling and Early Influences 14:23 – Falling in Love with Physics 15:40 – Choosing Physics for Bachelor’s 18:50 – The Role of Presidency College 20:52 – Exposure During Bachelor’s 23:38 – Choosing IIT Kanpur for Master’s 25:25 – Cultural Exposure at Presidency College 28:37 – Academic Exposure at IIT Kanpur 32:42 – Master’s Project 34:43 – PhD Days 35:52 – TIFR Days 40:22 – Challenges During Early Research Career 45:05 – Suggestions for Navigating Difficult Phases 47:04 – Moving to Chicago, USA 50:53 – Why He Moved to North Carolina 53:17 – Research Focus at North Carolina 55:41 – Current Research Interests 59:33 – Decision to Return to India 01:01:09 – Job Search in India 01:03:33 – Joining HRI as a Faculty Member 01:05:50 – Teaching Philosophy 01:11:17 – Using AI in Materials Research 01:23:17 – More Current Research Interests 01:24:51 – How AI Is Changing the Research Landscape 01:30:45 – Tips for Newly Joined Faculty Members 01:33:51 – Fun Trivia with Prof. Prasenjit Sen 01:47:47 – Advice to His Younger Self 01:50:48 – Final Thoughts

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  Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

  Dr. Anita Halder on Grant Writing, Marie Curie Fellowship & Building an Academic Career

  Jul 30, 20262h 3m

  Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast || Ep.21 || Guest: Dr Anita Halder In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Dr Anita Halder — physicist, computational materials scientist, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at SRM University-AP, India. A central theme of this episode is grant writing. One important line from this conversation is: “Getting grants is quite probabilistic.” We discuss what this really means for young researchers — that success in funding is not simply about having a good idea. It also depends on proposal clarity, timing, reviewer fit, institutional support, scientific vision, outreach, impact, and persistence. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Challenges during PhD ✨ Writing a Marie Curie Fellowship proposal ✨ Reapplying after not getting funded the first time ✨ Receiving a Marie Curie Fellowship with a 100% score ✨ Moving to Dublin for postdoctoral research ✨ Returning to India for a faculty position ✨ ANRF funding and building an independent research group ✨ The art of writing research grants ✨ Advice for students, PhD applicants, postdocs, and young researchers ️ About The Guest: Dr Anita Halder is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at SRM University-AP, India. She is a computational condensed matter physicist and materials scientist. She completed her B.Sc. in Physics from Serampore College, followed by her M.Sc. and PhD in Physics from the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata. Her research career later took her to Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, where she worked as a postdoctoral researcher and received the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her research interests include first-principles electronic-structure calculations, transition-metal oxides, strongly correlated electron systems, Mott-Hubbard physics, magnetic anisotropy in heterostructures, crystal-structure prediction, two-dimensional materials, and the use of machine learning for discovering materials with desired properties. ️Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the INSPIRE SHE award from the Department of Science and Technology, India, the IUCr Young Scientist Award, the S. N. Bose Prize for Innovation in Theory, the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, and more recently, ANRF funding (ECRG). Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7IuU7-wAAAAJ&view_op=list_works Webpage: https://www.srmap.edu.in/faculty/dr-anita-halder/ LinkedIn: Resources & Links: Serampur College: https://seramporecollege.ac.in S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences : https://www.bose.res.in Trinity College, Dublin : https://www.tcd.ie Marie Curie Fellowship : https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships Sefano Sanvito : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefano_Sanvito Raman Charpak fellowship : https://www.cefipra.org/PgmMF.aspx?p=RC Andrea Droghetti : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=o7RSz_cAAAAJ&hl=it Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanusri_Saha-Dasgupta The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music, and all other major podcast streaming platforms. Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:21 – Early Life, Schooling & the Role of Family 12:09 – Why She Chose Physics in College 17:13 – The Decision Not to Lose a Year 20:47 – Facing Language Challenges in College 23:20 – Struggles and Lessons During Bachelor’s 29:39 – Master’s or Something Else? Thinking About the Future 31:59 – Joining the Integrated PhD at S. N. Bose National Centre 35:55 – Master’s Days: Coursework, Growth & Adjustment 38:43 – Moving from Master’s to PhD Research 44:10 – Difficult PhD Years and How She Navigated Them 50:04 – Her PhD Research in Computational Materials Science 01:01:41 – Applying for Postdoctoral Positions 01:05:13 – Writing the Marie Curie Fellowship Proposal 01:10:13 – Moving to Dublin for Postdoctoral Research 01:11:49 – Research Interests During Her Postdoc Years 01:12:23 – Reapplying for the Marie Curie Fellowship 01:14:38 – Practical Tips for Marie Curie Fellowship Applicants 01:17:07 – Research Journey at Trinity College Dublin 01:20:25 – Why She Decided to Return to India 01:29:05 – Joining SRM University-AP as Faculty 01:30:57 – Current Role and Responsibilities as Assistant Professor 01:33:48 – How Master’s and PhD Students Can Contact Her 01:36:27 – Current Research Interests and Future Goals 01:41:50 – The Art of Writing Successful Research Grants 01:48:41 – Challenges Faced by Women in STEM 01:52:53 – Fun Trivia with Dr Anita Halder 01:59:53 – Final Thought

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  Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

  Prof. Erio Tosatti on Science, Mentorship, Institution Building & Flying Together

  Jul 1, 20262h 2mS0

  <p>Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast || Ep.20 ||<br> </p> <p>Guest: Prof. Erio Tosatti 🇮🇹🇬🇧<br> </p> <p><br> </p> <p>Episode 20 of the DPT Podcast feels like a small milestone in the journey of this channel — and I cannot think of a more meaningful guest to mark it than Prof. Erio Tosatti.<br> </p> <p><br> </p> <p>In this episode, I speak with Prof. Tosatti about his extraordinary journey through physics, mentorship, institution-building, and the deeper human values that shape scientific life. Prof. Tosatti is currently Professor Emeritus at SISSA and continues to be closely associated with ICTP in Trieste, wher...

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  Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

  Prof. Erio Tosatti on Science, Mentorship, Institution Building & Flying Together

  Jul 1, 20262h 2m

  Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast || Ep.20 || Guest: Prof. Erio Tosatti 🇮🇹🇬🇧 Episode 20 of the DPT Podcast feels like a small milestone in the journey of this channel — and I cannot think of a more meaningful guest to mark it than Prof. Erio Tosatti. In this episode, I speak with Prof. Tosatti about his extraordinary journey through physics, mentorship, institution-building, and the deeper human values that shape scientific life. Prof. Tosatti is currently Professor Emeritus at SISSA and continues to be closely associated with ICTP in Trieste, where he has played a foundational role in building the condensed matter physics community. This conversation is not only about a distinguished scientific career. It is also about science as culture, mentorship as a human relationship, and the responsibility of building institutions that create opportunities for others. One of the central messages of this episode is beautifully captured in Prof. Tosatti’s words: “Either we fly together, or we do not fly at all.” Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Childhood, early life, and the lessons that shaped him ✨ Schooling in Modena and the role of logic, history, and culture ✨ Choosing a direction without knowing the full path ✨ Working while pursuing university studies ✨ Going to CERN, Geneva, as a summer student ✨ Transitioning from high-energy experimental physics to theory ✨ Discovering condensed matter physics at Pisa ✨ What great scientists do differently ✨ Working with and learning from scientific giants ✨ The importance of institution-building ✨ ICTP, SISSA, and building scientific communities ✨ Mentorship as a deeply human relationship ✨ Inclusion, duty, and creating opportunities for others ✨ Why science is culture before it is technicality ✨ Advice to young scientists and younger self 🎧 Listen to this podcast here: https://drsanandabiswas.podbean.com 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Erio Tosatti is one of the most distinguished theoretical condensed matter physicists of our time. He completed his degree in Physics at the University of Modena and received his doctorate from Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, where he worked in theoretical condensed matter physics under the supervision of Franco Bassani. He later carried out postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge, where he worked with P. W. Anderson. His career also includes research positions with the Italian Research Council, CNR, at Rome University and Trieste University. He went on to become a full professor at SISSA and played a foundational role in building the Condensed Matter Theory communities at SISSA and ICTP in Trieste. His research spans a broad range of condensed matter physics, including theoretical condensed matter, surfaces, nanostructures, friction and nanofriction, strongly correlated systems, fullerides, high-pressure physics, and complex materials. 🎖️Major honours: Tate Medal for International Leadership in Physics, The Enrico Fermi Prize of the Italian Physical Society, Fellowship of the American Physical Society, Membership of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, foreign associateship of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, foreign membership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Spirit of Abdus Salam Award. Google Scholar : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=M_U7meIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao Webpage : https://cm.sissa.it/people/erio-tosatti Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti 🔗 Resources & Links: P. W. Anderson – “More Is Different”: https://www.tkm.kit.edu/downloads/TKM1_2011_more_is_different_PWA.pdf [Due to space limitations, we are unable to include links to all the people, places, institutions, and topics discussed in this episode.] 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 04:45 – Childhood Lessons That Shaped a Life in Science 10:22 – Schooling, Logic, History & Early Influences 18:13 – Early Life Challenges and Lessons in Resilience 25:31 – Choosing a Direction Without Knowing the Full Path 31:48 – Working While Studying at University 38:39 – Going to CERN as a Summer Student 44:59 – From High-Energy Experimental Physics to Theory 47:21 – Discovering Condensed Matter Physics at Pisa 56:46 – What Do Geniuses Do Differently? 59:53 – Research Interests Across Condensed Matter Physics 01:05:32 – Why Institution Building Matters in Science 01:15:22 – Mentorship as a Human Relationship 01:28:01 – What Separates Great Scientists from Others 01:34:39 – Fun Trivia with Prof. Erio Tosatti 01:53:12 – Advice to His Younger Self and Young Scientists 01:59:00 – Final Thoughts: Science, Community & Flying Together #DPTPodcast #PhysicsPodcast #SciencePodcast #STEMPodcast

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