Connecting you with Life in Space

Pushkar Ganesh Vaidya

Pushkar Ganesh Vaidya is one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of Astrobiology — the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. As the head scientist of the Indian Astrobiology Research Foundation (IARF), he also spearheads the IARF Centre of Excellence for United Nations Global Goals and is the scientist-in-charge of the proposed Bijayan space missions.

A philosopher-scientist and India’s foremost scientist-communicator, Pushkar’s research spans the philosophy of astrobiology, consciousness, climate change, evolution, panspermia, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and terraforming. His approach is rooted in philosophy as a tool for cosmic inquiry.

Pushkar’s journey began early, authoring his first book In Search of Aliens at just 17. Over the last two decades, he has developed flagship programs at premier institutes such as IITs and IIMs, and delivered numerous lectures, workshops, and a captivating TEDx talk. His national workshop tour, Life in Space, engaged over 5,000 participants across India.

Known for his engaging conversation-style interactions and witty presentations, Pushkar decodes the universe’s 13.8-billion-year-old story, empowering professionals and organizations to draw timeless lessons from cosmic phenomena — from the Big Bang to black holes — for transformation and innovation in their own lives and work.

For Photo Gallery, scroll to the bottom

Research
Pushkar’s research work is primarily about nature and distribution of life in the universe which lets him explore various subjects, from evolutionary biology to cosmology and from philosophy to consciousness.

Some of my published research work can be found in this list click here

Media Coverage
Over the years, people from the media have been very kind to cover some of Pushkar’s work related to space, climate & astrobiology, and he forever remains grateful to them.

Please click here to see access links to some media links

Life in Space Workshop Series
In 2017, Pushkar launched the unique & exciting Life in Space workshop; it was met with overwhelming response from across India. In all, from 2017-2019 about 5,000 participants attended the workshops across 20 cities. The workshop was to go international however the plans did not go through owing to the pandemic.

Presently, the following workshops are offered under the Life in Space Workshop series;
Life in Space
Work in Space
The Conscious Universe
NASA Artemis Contact Program

to organize the workshop in your school / college please send a WhatsApp to +91 84540 40464

Talks & Lectures
Over the years, Pushkar has delivered talks / lectures at various organizations and academic institutions including, IIT-Bombay, IIT-Gandhinagar, IIT-Madras, COP21 Climate Summit, Paris, World Social Forum, Mumbai, BITS Pilani-Goa, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Malwa Institute of Technology, Indore, Satyabhama University, Chennai, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Chennai, Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology, Pollachi, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, Mumbai University, Delhi Technological University (DTU), Symbiosis University, NIT, Calicut, VIT, Vellore as well as several Television & Radio spots, clubs, colleges, science centres and schools.

Conference Convener
1st International Astrobiology Conference, Mumbai, October 2016
UNITES 2016 Virtual Conference on Sustainable Development Goals
2nd International Astrobiology Conference, Surat, July 2017

Academic Career

2018 – Scientist, Director
Indian Astrobiology Research Foundation (a registered NPO), Mumbai

2006 – Scientist, Head
Indian Astrobiology Research Centre, Mumbai

May 2005 – Nov 2006, Scientist
League of Science Investigators, Mumbai

Jan 2003 – Feb 2004, Researcher & Communicator
The Astronessy Research Foundation, Mumbai

Oct 2001 – Nov 2002, Scientist
The Indian Planetary Society, Mumbai

Program Head (education & outreach)
COP+ India Program (2015-2030)
Rio+ India Program (2012-2032)

Education

2009: M.Sc (Ecology & Environment)*
Sikkim Manipal University
*thesis work in Astrobiology under the guidance of Dr. S. Ramadurai, TIFR, Mumbai

2004: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Advertising)
International Institute of Advanced Marketing, Mumbai

2000: B.Sc (Botany)
South Gujarat University & Mumbai University (D.G Ruparel College)

1996: GCE A Level
Wycherley International School, Colombo

Freelance Science Columnist Positions
2008 – 2009: Just Like That – JLT (WMM, BBC-Times Group)
2006 – 2007: Kidzone (WMM, BBC-Times Group)
2000 – 2002: The Satyam Times, Surat

Books
Diseases from Space (2013, co-author)
The Complete Guide to Solar System (2003)
Extraterrestrial (2002)
In Search of Aliens (1997)

Courses (written / designed)
Climate related courses: 6 courses from 2015-2022
Space related courses: 4 courses from 2007-2022
UN MDGs / UN SGGs related courses: 12 courses from 2011 – 2022

Photo Gallery

1st Astrobiology Conference, Pushkar
Pushkar (L), Dr. Chandra Wickramasinghe (Cambridge-BCAB), Dr. Henry Throop (NASA) and Dr. S.M Chitre (TIFR-MU) – 1st International Astrobiology Conference, Mumbai, October 2016

2nd International Astrobiology Conference, Pushkar
Pushkar (L), Dr. Moumita Dutta (ISRO), Dr. Parul Patel (ISRO) and Dr. Henry Throop (NASA) – 2nd International Astrobiology Conference, Surat, July 2017

Pushkar at Symbiosis International University
Pushkar at Symbiosis International University, 2015

Pushkar at COP21 Paris Climate Summit
Pushkar at Paris Climate Summit 2015 (hosted the event, The Dharma of Climate Change at COP21, Paris-Le Bourget, France)


“Two possibilities exist: either we are
alone in the Universe or we are not. 
Both are equally terrifying”

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