A distinguished Teacher, Research and Academic Leader
Dr. Neeru Bhagat
Dr. Neeru Bhagat is an experienced physicist, academician, and administrator whose career spans diverse research, dynamic pedagogy, and impactful community outreach. In February 2025, she assumed the prestigious role of Principal at St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune, bringing her extensive expertise in higher education, research, and institutional leadership to one of India’s most esteemed academic institutions.
With a Ph.D. in Physics (Material Science) from UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Dr. Bhagat has significantly contributed to nanotechnology, condensed matter physics, and material science through her teaching and research. Her research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing novel alloys for various applications, investigating thin films for memory storage applications. and exploring the biomedical potential of nanomaterials. She has been advancing studies on Heusler alloys, shape-memory materials, and magnetic thin films, and machine learning with her work published in high-impact journals.
An academician par excellence, Dr. Bhagat has held esteemed positions at premier institutions, including BITS Pilani-Dubai Campus, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) Pune, and Symbiosis International University, where she served as Head of SCOPE (non-health division) at Symbiosis Community Outreach Program and Extension. Under her leadership, SCOPE successfully forged collaborations with NGOs and government bodies, driving initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development.
She has enriched the scientific community through her expertise in applied physics, statistical physics, and nanotechnology. Her commitment to enhancing science education is evident in her role as a resource person for national teacher-training programs, including the Revitalising School Physics Education through Concept-Oriented Teaching in KVs (RESPECT KVs) initiative and at India International Science Festival (IISF).
Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Bhagat is a formidable force in science outreach and policy-making. She is a member of the National Academic Council for the National Children’s Science Congress (2023-2025) and has served as a jury member for INSPIRE Awards-MANAK.
Dr. Bhagat’s contributions extend to technological innovation, with her work leading to a published Indian patent on a modified coir geotextile matrix. Her short but important industrial experience further reflects her acumen in translating research into real-world applications.
Dr. Bhagat has mentored several M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars, fostering interdisciplinary research. She has also represented India in prestigious international conferences, cementing her role as a global thought leader in materials science and nanotechnology.
Through her multifaceted career, Dr. Neeru Bhagat exemplifies the synergy between scientific excellence and academic leadership. As Principal of St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune, she continues to champion innovation in higher education, research, and community engagement, inspiring the next generation of scientists, educators, and change- makers.