Physics PhD Student Honoured with Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award (2023/24) for Insights into Dark Matter Research

Mr Alfred Amruth received the Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award 2023/24.

Congratulations to Mr Alfred Amruth, a PhD student at the Department of Physics, on receiving the Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award 2023/24.

Amruth's research focuses on dark matter and gravitational lensing. His innovative approach to solving the mystery of dark matter in the universe has attracted widespread attention in academia. His research paper ‘Einstein rings modulated by wavelike dark matter from anomalies in gravitationally lensed image’ was selected as the cover article for Nature Astronomy, a renowned scientific journal in the field.

Dark matter constitutes the majority of mass in our Universe, yet its true nature remains a mystery. Understanding what dark matter is stands as one of the most fundamental questions in physics.

Amruth believes that dark matter could potentially be the next ‘fuel’ for elevating human civilisation and possibly help us become true space explorers.

Currently, Amruth is working actively with collaborators worldwide to study the effects of wave-like dark matter in galaxies. He attributes his development as a scientist to the invaluable mentorship of his supervisor, Dr Jeremy LIM, as well as the unwavering support of his collaborators and colleagues.

Established in 2022 by the HKU Graduate School and the Technology Transfer Office, the Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award recognises up to ten research postgraduate students each year for their most exciting and innovative research ideas.

Additionally, Amruth has been awarded the 2023 Hong Kong Young Scientist Award in Physical/Mathematical Science by the Hong Kong Institution of Science. This award recognises the young scientists and engineers in Hong Kong who demonstrate exceptional potential in their respective fields of study. It aims to foster the development of science and technology in the region.