Staff Scientist at DESY | Germany
Dr. Bibhushan Shakya is a theoretical physicist specializing in particle physics and cosmology, currently serving as a Junior Staff Scientist at DESY, Hamburg. His research spans dark matter, gravitational waves, and early universe phenomena. With a Ph.D. from Cornell University, and professional stints at CERN, University of Michigan, and UCSC, he has emerged as a globally respected researcher. He has co-authored over 40 publications, supervised multiple graduate theses, and served in advisory and organizational roles within major international physics communities, including Snowmass and BCVSPIN. A native of Nepal, he actively contributes to science outreach across South Asia.
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Shakya’s academic journey began at Stanford University, where he earned three undergraduate degrees with distinction in Physics (Theoretical Concentration), Mathematics, and Philosophy. His passion for the fundamentals of the universe led him to Cornell University for doctoral studies under the mentorship of Prof. Maxim Perelstein. There, he specialized in theoretical particle physics, completing a Ph.D. thesis on dark matter phenomenology during a transformative period in experimental cosmology. His early academic years reflect a rare combination of depth in theoretical physics and breadth in interdisciplinary thought, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to cosmology and high-energy physics.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Shakya has held prestigious research positions globally. After completing his Ph.D., he undertook postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, and UC Santa Cruz, forming collaborative bridges across top U.S. institutions. He served as a Senior Fellow at CERN, Geneva, contributing to LISA cosmology initiatives, before joining DESY in 2021. His roles involve not just research but strategic leadership, including organizing seminars, leading selection committees, and mentoring Ph.D. students. He is recognized as a scientific community builder, contributing to international collaboration platforms like Snowmass 2022 and BCVSPIN in South Asia.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Shakya’s research focuses on early-universe cosmology, dark matter, and gravitational wave signals from first-order phase transitions. His work addresses phenomena at the intersection of cosmology and high-energy physics, often exploring nonthermal origins of dark matter, tachyonic fields, and leptogenesis via bubble collisions. His publications in JCAP, JHEP, PRD, and PRL underscore both depth and originality. Notably, he collaborates with prominent physicists like Giudice, Kamionkowski, and Pomarol, positioning him at the forefront of phenomenological cosmology. His recent work with student co-authors further highlights his commitment to mentored discovery and academic development.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Shakya’s impact is global and multi-dimensional. Through publications, student mentorship, and international collaborations, he has significantly advanced the understanding of the early universe. As Chair of BCVSPIN, he champions particle physics in developing South Asian regions, fostering access to frontier research. His leadership role in the Snowmass 2022 Cosmic Frontier initiative helped shape the U.S. particle physics strategic roadmap. He regularly reviews for top-tier journals and major funding bodies like ERC and NSERC, reinforcing his influence on scientific standards. His lectures and outreach efforts have inspired young researchers and the general public across continents.
📚 Academic Cites and Publications
Dr. Shakya has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications on arXiv, InspireHEP, and in leading journals like JCAP, JHEP, PRD, and PLB. His work is widely cited, with growing influence in cosmological phase transition physics, gravitational wave phenomenology, and non-thermal dark matter scenarios. Many of his papers involve cross-disciplinary ideas at the intersection of particle physics and cosmology, often co-authored with international experts and students. Some of his highly recognized works include those on dark photon production from cosmic strings, leptogenesis, and bubble collision dynamics. His research citations reflect a strong and growing academic footprint.
🧠 Research Skills and Expertise
Dr. Shakya exhibits exceptional analytical skills in quantum field theory, early-universe modeling, and beyond Standard Model physics. His ability to translate highly technical theory into observable cosmological predictions demonstrates deep understanding and creativity. He is proficient in phenomenological modeling, analytical methods, and scientific computation, making his work relevant to experimental data from CMB, LISA, and gravitational wave observatories. His collaborations across theory and experiment exemplify a rare blend of vision and rigor. He is also known for clear scientific communication, essential for both mentoring and outreach. These skills position him as a leading contributor to modern theoretical physics.
🧑🏫 Teaching and Mentorship
Dr. Shakya has contributed extensively to teaching and mentoring, both formally and informally. At University of Hamburg, he delivered guest lectures on supersymmetry and collider physics. He regularly teaches at international summer and winter schools (e.g., BCVSPIN, Hamburg Summer School) on topics like dark matter phenomenology and gravitational waves. He has supervised multiple Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. students, many of whom have co-authored papers and moved on to prestigious research positions. His mentorship style encourages intellectual independence and scientific curiosity, making him an asset to any academic institution committed to excellence and training the next generation.
🏅 Awards and Honors
While Dr. Shakya has not yet been publicly recognized with individual awards, his appointment as Junior Staff Scientist at DESY, one of the world’s premier particle physics labs, underscores institutional recognition of his excellence. He has served as a referee for elite physics journals, a grant reviewer for the ERC and NSERC, and a strategic leader in international collaborations all clear acknowledgments of his scientific standing. His inclusion in roles like Snowmass 2022 liaison and chairing BCVSPIN reflects peer trust and leadership. These achievements serve as strong indicators of his eligibility for Best Researcher Award recognition.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Shakya’s legacy is already taking shape through his publications, mentorship, outreach, and scientific leadership in South Asia. In the future, he is well-positioned to become a principal investigator, lead independent grant-funded projects, and shape the field through interdisciplinary research. His ongoing involvement in gravitational wave cosmology, especially related to LISA, aligns with the next frontier in observational physics. By continuing to connect young scientists, global institutions, and frontier physics, he will play a pivotal role in both advancing science and making it more inclusive. His long-term influence will be felt across academia, policy, and outreach.
Publications Top Notes
📄 Particle Production from Phase Transition Bubbles
📄 Aspects of Particle Production from Bubble Dynamics at a First Order Phase Transition
📄 Nonthermal Heavy Dark Matter from a First-Order Phase Transition
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Authors: G. Giudice, H.M. Lee, A. Pomarol, B. Shakya
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Journal: Journal of High Energy Physics (JHEP)
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Year: 2024
📄 White Paper on Light Sterile Neutrino Searches and Related Phenomenology
📄 Bouncing Dark Matter
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Authors: L. Puetter, J.T. Ruderman, E. Salvioni, B. Shakya
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Journal: Physical Review D
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Year: 2024