Career option in Geomagnetism

    21-Mar-2020
Ranjan K Baruah
We are aware of geology, applied geology or even astrophysics. Today we are introducing another subject which is purely for the students of science having Physics and Mathematics in graduation. Let us understand geomagnetism as a career option. Geomagnetists are specialist type of geologist, one of the oldest physical sciences. Geologists study rocks and the physical processes of the Earth, geomagnetists study that which cannot be seen - the magnetic processes of geological features and the Earth as a whole.
Geomagnetism has many community applications and this science impacts all of humanity in one form or other. The very survival of all the life forms on earth is interminably related to the existence of this geomagnetic field. It’s in the fitness of things that we all understand the very significant role this component plays in cosmic natural processes. Research in Geomagnetism and allied fields includes Solid Earth Geomagnetism/Geophysics, Magnetosphere, Space and Atmospheric Sciences. 
The first magnetic observations in India were started at Madras in 1822, followed by the recordings at Simla (1841), Trivandrum (1841) and Colaba (1841). Among these, only Colaba observatory continued uninterrupted since 1841. The combined observations at Colaba and Alibag observatories provide the longest series (nearly 175 years) of magnetic field data.
Aspirants wishing to become geomagnetists must take science after secondary level and they must have physics and maths as their subjects during graduation. Students with master degree in physics, geo physics, space physics, applied geology, applied mathematics are eligible. 
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism:
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has an enviable antiquity of over 175 years, which was instrumental in spawning geomagnetism in the Indian sub continental region. It has evolved from being a data gathering organization to using long series geomagnetic data, to tackle applied aspects that benefit society, in an obvious and abstruse ways. IIG was given a full-scale mandate to pursue geomagnetic and allied field research in 1971. It has been an autonomous institution since its inception and is now functioning directly under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The evolution of geomagnetism in the country has been interminably linked with the growth of this institution.
Shillong Geophysical Research Centre:  IIG has taken a new initiative in establishing the Shillong Geophysical Research Centre (SGRC) as its third regional centre. The focus of research at this newly formed centre at Shillong would be on deciphering the pre- and co-seismic signatures in various atmospheric regions over the North-East India using a variety of observational techniques aided by numerical modelling tools. Shillong Geophysical Research Centre was inaugurated on 18th January 2016.
Fellowships Update:  Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) 2020: Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) 2020 invites applications from women scientists and technologists who are taking a break in their career. This scheme aims to encourage the selected candidates to utilize their knowledge and zeal for the benefit of society. The scheme focuses on projects that lead to science and technology-based solutions to societal issues and challenges for social benefits.  WOS-B is being provided by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) division. Interested may apply before 31st March.
Young India Fellowship: Ashoka University invites applications for Young India Fellowship 2020 from undergraduate and postgraduate students. The aim of this fellowship is to recognize and select outstanding young individuals. Selected fellows will get admission to a one-year multidisciplinary postgraduate diploma programme in Liberal Studies and financial assistance of up to 100% percent tuition fee waiver. Interested may apply before 31st March.
(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor, motivational speaker and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])