Physics Best place for theoretical physicists

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The discussion centers on the question of whether there is a "best" place for theoretical physicists, particularly comparing opportunities in developed countries like the US and UK with those in developing countries like India. It is generally agreed that while there are no universally superior locations for all fields of theoretical physics, developed countries typically offer better resources, funding, and educational systems. This can lead to more opportunities for research and collaboration.Participants emphasize that theoretical physicists primarily require access to computers, research journals, and a conducive environment for study, which can be found in many locations, including India. However, the consensus leans toward the idea that the US and UK provide substantial advantages in terms of research infrastructure and networking opportunities.There is also a discussion about the financial implications of studying in different countries, noting that tuition and living costs in the US can be significantly higher than in many other countries.
arpit2agrawal
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Is there any "best" place (by place, I mean country or university or organization, whatever) for theoretical physicists? Is there advantage of doing research in a developed country like US to a developing country like India? If yes, what are they?

Thanks!
 
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Aren't there any theoretical physicists in this forum?
 
No, there is no best place. There are really good universities and organizations for certain field of theoretical physics, but no "best" for all of theoretical physics as a whole. You'll also find that it is better to do research in developed countries since you have better resources and funding options in places such as the US, UK, Germany, or wherever.
 
I heard theoretical physicists are not that much involved in experiments. If that is the case, what resources they would require for research? Actually I am from India and want to become a theoretical physicist. Is it advisable for me to leave my country and go to US or UK? What benefits I would get in US or UK?

Thanks!
 
Please some theoretical physicist reply.

Thank you very much!
 
I'm no theoretical physicist, but I think the lack of responses is telling, and if there was anyone that thought such a place existed and disagreed with what Pengwuino posted, you'd hear it by now.
 
Actually, almost every person could answer it's just that all of the responses would be subjective and biased. You have to decide for yourself.
 
I know that if I ever would want to become a theoretical physicist, I would like to work on the Large Hadron Collider. I think that is where the major stuff happens. Or otherwise, the people there will know what else there is.
 
Ryker said:
I'm no theoretical physicist, but I think the lack of responses is telling, and if there was anyone that thought such a place existed and disagreed with what Pengwuino posted, you'd hear it by now.
I just want opinions of you guys on:
Is it advisable for me to leave my country and go to US or UK? What benefits I would get in US or UK?
Note: I want to stay with my family in India but I can still go to US or UK if I will get substantially more benefits there.
 
  • #10
Don't take this the wrong way but there comes a point where you have to find the answers and not have some random internet people tell you what's best for *you.*

If I were you, I'd first figure out what field of physics you're interested in and then find universities with professors that specialize in that field. Email those professors and ask them questions about the programs. I did this several months ago and gained a ton of information and in some cases more so than I needed. Make sure you ask specific questions because some professors might be annoyed (and may not even respond) to a general "Tell me everything" type of question.

Once you find the programs that fit your needs, apply. Good luck.
 
  • #11
DrummingAtom said:
Don't take this the wrong way but there comes a point where you have to find the answers and not have some random internet people tell you what's best for *you.*

If I were you, I'd first figure out what field of physics you're interested in and then find universities with professors that specialize in that field. Email those professors and ask them questions about the programs. I did this several months ago and gained a ton of information and in some cases more so than I needed. Make sure you ask specific questions because some professors might be annoyed (and may not even respond) to a general "Tell me everything" type of question.

Once you find the programs that fit your needs, apply. Good luck.

Actually I am not sure which field of Physics I will do research in but I am quite sure I want to become a theoretical physicist. I just want to know in general, is there any substantial benefit to a theoretical physicists of staying in US (or UK) over India.
 
  • #12
I have to ask. Why don't you ask people in the field directly? Email professors, organizations, etc. You're obviously persistent, why don't you use that to your advantage? It's a little scary to think that you're going to believe some random person on a public forum. This is a big decision in your life, why chance it on someone (that might not even be an actual physicist) telling you what's best for *you.*
 
  • #13
arpit2agrawal said:
Actually I am not sure which field of Physics I will do research in but I am quite sure I want to become a theoretical physicist. I just want to know in general, is there any substantial benefit to a theoretical physicists of staying in US (or UK) over India.

My recommendation would be to start out where you can get to.
I presume that is a university in India.
While you are there, orient yourself on what there is and where that is.
There will be people there who know.
And it will give you an inkling of what area of physics interests you most.

After the first year relocate to your university of choice wherever that is.
 
  • #14
DrummingAtom said:
I have to ask. Why don't you ask people in the field directly? Email professors, organizations, etc. You're obviously persistent, why don't you use that to your advantage? It's a little scary to think that you're going to believe some random person on a public forum. This is a big decision in your life, why chance it on someone (that might not even be an actual physicist) telling you what's best for *you.*

Yes. I'll email some professors of top US universities. And if I don't get any good advice, I will prefer US because I know US is good. It's just that I want to know whether India is equally good as far as theoretical research is concerned. I'll ask this to professors.

I like Serena said:
My recommendation would be to start out where you can get to.
I presume that is a university in India.
While you are there, orient yourself on what there is and where that is.
There will be people there who know.
And it will give you an inkling of what area of physics interests you most.

After the first year relocate to your university of choice wherever that is.

Top most university in India is "Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore" which falls in the rank range 301-400 in world universities ranking. So I don't think it's that good. Also, I don't think I can relocate myself from India to US in the middle of program.
 
  • #16
arpit2agrawal said:
Top most university in India is "Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore" which falls in the rank range 301-400 in world universities ranking. So I don't think it's that good. Also, I don't think I can relocate myself from India to US in the middle of program.

Well, then there is the matter of money.
I come from the Netherlands myself where the university is sponsored by the government.
I've been given to understand the the entrance fee to US universities is about 10 times as high as in my own country.
 
  • #17
I think Princeton University has the highest ranking for Theoretical Physics.
 
  • #18
arpit2agrawal said:
Is there advantage of doing research in a developed country like US to a developing country like India? If yes, what are they?

Yes there are advantages. The US has more money and so that makes more money for physics. One other difference is that the US as a better educational and research ***system*** than most other countries. A lot of countries have one or two top universities. The US has a few top universities and then many, many others that are "pretty good."

You hear me complain about the US research university system, but don't be mislead. The reason I complain so much is that the US university *system* is a crown jewel, and I get very annoyed when it gets abused.
 
  • #19
Dickfore said:
I think Princeton University has the highest ranking for Theoretical Physics.

Please tell me URL where I can see ranking specially for theoretical physics.
 
  • #20
arpit2agrawal said:
Please tell me URL where I can see ranking specially for theoretical physics.

I don't know.
 
  • #21
Now a days theoretical physicists have a place in developing country like India but obviously US is the best place for theoretical physicists.
 
  • #22
If you've heard of it, its probably 'not that bad', but the best still depends on which field you are most interested in. I would also look at continental Europe, Germany especially has some cool stuff going on, and I suspect fees are a lot less than UK/US. One downside is that you will need to pick up German at some point, even if the course is offered in English.

If you will be studying as an undergraduate, then just go for whatever physics departments seem to have a good course, as well as coming well in rankings. It goes without saying that top departments will have high entry requirements, as well as being inundated with applications from people who are probably qualified at least as well as you.
 
  • #23
Dickfore said:
I think Princeton University has the highest ranking for Theoretical Physics.

I copied and pasted your statement in Google and found the following results.

Globally in the world the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA comes out on top.
In the physics rankings it takes a 1st place (shared) as well, which is shared with 3 other universities (2011).
Princeton comes out 5th.
 
  • #24
Notice the word 'Theoretical'.
 
  • #25
arpit2agrawal said:
I just want opinions of you guys on:
Is it advisable for me to leave my country and go to US or UK? What benefits I would get in US or UK?
Note: I want to stay with my family in India but I can still go to US or UK if I will get substantially more benefits there.

What do you consider to be "benefits"? If you would be happy doing physics in India, what would be enticing enough for you to be lured away to North America or Europe (assuming you're one of the few to be offered a position there)? You could always go outside India for grad school and postdocs and return to India if you can find a professorial job there.
 
  • #26
Mute said:
What do you consider to be "benefits"? If you would be happy doing physics in India, what would be enticing enough for you to be lured away to North America or Europe (assuming you're one of the few to be offered a position there)? You could always go outside India for grad school and postdocs and return to India if you can find a professorial job there.
By benefits I meant better resources (such as apparatus required for experiments), better researches around me, intelligent and knowledgeable professors, etc. If these benefits does really matter to theoretical physicists (which I don't know and want to know), I will prefer US or UK. Once I move to US or UK, I don't think I will return back to India. I want to take decision "now", as to settle down in India or US or UK.
 
Last edited:
  • #27
IMO becoming an established theoretical physicist in a developing country like India is a much better option, considering the fact that there are a lot of institutes coming up in the country such as TIFR, HRI and IISC. These and many other government funded institutes for theoretical research need more human resources, ie, professors etc and the possibility of finding a job is much more than in already established universities abroad having a fixed no. of professorships, most of whom are famous people who would not give their titles up.

At the end of the day,the theoretical physicist only works with pen, paper and computer. So resources are not a big deal really. But jobs are mostly as a professor/teacher cum research positions.

The Indian Institute of Science is ranked lowly, because it is specialized in a very small field of study. That along with institutes like TIFR, HRI, PRL and others have high international repute. Even institutes like Chennai Mathematical institute a university specializing in mathematics and theoretical physics has honorary members in the National Academy of Sciences, USA, which is a very respectable achievement.

Pay wise, I think the pay received by a TH. Phy in India or abroad is comparable.
 
  • #28
arpit2agrawal said:
Please tell me URL where I can see ranking specially for theoretical physics.

These rankings are for teaching and post graduate research I assume and not for post postgraduate research.
 
  • #29
pessimist said:
At the end of the day,the theoretical physicist only works with pen, paper and computer. So resources are not a big deal really. But jobs are mostly as a professor/teacher cum research positions.
I have my business in my hometown which pays me enough to live a luxurious life in India. And I get lots of free time also. If what you are saying is true, then can't I get a PhD from Indian institute like IISc and then settle down in my hometown handling my business and also doing research in theoretical physics sitting in my bungalow? Do theoretical physicists really need a research institute for doing research?
 
  • #30
No they don't. But I said that cause most Th. Physicists don't have businesses or another stable source of income other than research grants or professorships. You certainly do not need to be at a research institute.
 
  • #31
arpit2agrawal said:
Once I move to US or UK, I don't think I will return back to India. I want to take decision "now", as to settle down in India or US or UK.

It's definitely not as easy as saying that you will settle in these places. For example, you need to be incredibly good in order to get a job and a visa after your study.
 
  • #32
cristo said:
It's definitely not as easy as saying that you will settle in these places. For example, you need to be incredibly good in order to get a job and a visa after your study.

exactly.
 
  • #33
cristo said:
It's definitely not as easy as saying that you will settle in these places. For example, you need to be incredibly good in order to get a job and a visa after your study.
And even if I did get a job, I'll have to live an austere frugal life. And my Indian friends with even "average" intelligence and knowledge are getting good job easily just after doing masters in computer from US university. Then why did God made way for physicists so tougher? :frown:
I think my business in India along with theoretical physics research is the best available option for me.
 
  • #34
It all depends on you. If it would be easier financialy and academicaly for you to study in India go ahead, if in the US good. I currently study theoretical physics at UPR Mayaguez in the US, India has great colleges to with very good degree programs in physics. Its all up to you.

-Indian Institute of Techonology Roorkee
-Loyola College
-St. Stephen's College
-Madras Christian College
-Presidency College (Chennai)
 
  • #35
"Then why did God made way for physicists so tougher"

Are you sure you have the proper scientific mind to become a physicist in the first place?
 
  • #36
Kholdstare said:
"Then why did God made way for physicists so tougher"

Are you sure you have the proper scientific mind to become a physicist in the first place?

Why would you say that?
 
  • #37
arpit2agrawal said:
And my Indian friends with even "average" intelligence and knowledge are getting good job easily

Smug!
 
  • #38
Theoretical physicist here! (Disclaimer: PhD student, not professor)

One of my favorite things about theoretical physics is that it can be done almost anywhere. Here's what I need to do research:

  1. a reliable computer with reliable internet access
  2. access to research journals
  3. money to buy textbooks
  4. money to buy food, clothing, and shelter
  5. a desk, nice chair, and lots of coffee
  6. a Mathematica or MATLAB license is nice, too
These things can be found at any well-run university. So, in my opinion, the best place for theoretical physicists is "anywhere that pays you enough to survive and buy textbooks while providing enough free time to do research."

Obviously, wealthier countries tend to have more research universities, and it can be easier to get published if you're at a prestigious university. Still, the best journals care more about what your research says than where you wrote it. If you live in a safe area, your advisor is competent and helpful, and your university pays you enough, then you can do theoretical physics. That's just as true in Azerbaijan as in Zurich.

I like Serena said:
Well, then there is the matter of money.
I come from the Netherlands myself where the university is sponsored by the government.
I've been given to understand the the entrance fee to US universities is about 10 times as high as in my own country.

It's difficult to compare directly, but I've been to universities in the US and NL and the cost really is much greater in the US than in the Netherlands. I think "10 times as high" is an OK first-order estimate. Undergrad tuition is misleading because many (most?) people don't pay the full advertised price. We submit our tax forms and financial papers to the university, they figure out what we can afford, then they charge more than that and we go into debt. (It's a special kind of debt which can't be discharged when you go bankrupt.) Then there's the health-system fiasco: my university requires me to pay $1200 per year for an insurance policy with a $50K cap. If I get seriously ill or hit by a bus, I'll go bankrupt.

For most science programs, grad school is cheaper. (Not for medical doctors!) Typically, we pay little or no tuition, work as teaching assistants, and get paid roughly the minimum amount necessary to survive. Many of us take on more debt as student loans.

Personally, I think charging people a zillion dollars for education - early in our careers, when we could be inventing things or starting businesses or starting a family - is one of the stupidest financial policies in the history of the United States. But I suppose that's off-topic for this thread.
 
  • #39
NegativeDept said:
Then there's the health-system fiasco: my university requires me to pay $1200 per year for an insurance policy with a $50K cap. If I get seriously ill or hit by a bus, I'll go bankrupt.

What State are you in? In my State such a premium would buy a 25-35 year old a very nice comprehensive plan.

If you're in New York, on the other hand, you will pay more because you're subsidizing everyone else.

PS: Are there no HDHP sold on the market? You'd be better off just not paying for what you have and using the savings to cover your low cost expenses.
 
  • #40
Locrian said:
What State are you in? In my State such a premium would buy a 25-35 year old a very nice comprehensive plan.

If you're in New York, on the other hand, you will pay more because you're subsidizing everyone else.

PS: Are there no HDHP sold on the market? You'd be better off just not paying for what you have and using the savings to cover your low cost expenses.

I'm in Pennsylvania. It's a good idea to look at individual plans, but I tried that and they're all much more expensive. On top of that, my university requires that any individual plan include a bunch of luxury items with no value to me, e.g. addiction counseling. The plans which meet those requirements cost far more than I can afford.

Not to drag us off-topic, but... individual plans are often insanely expensive because health insurance is inherently a lemon market with severe adverse-selection problems. This was all much easier when I lived in Holland. I paid $50 a month and went to the doctor when I was sick.
 
  • #41
Nah, like I said, $100 a month buys a very nice plan in the State I'm in - I think you could get an entirely acceptable one for maybe $75/month. Addiction counseling doesn't add much cost to a plan, and definitely doesn't explain the cost of the one you're in (which I would describe as "absurd").

I don't know much about PA, but I believe you're suffering the same problem they do in most of the NE - due to local regulations, you're subsidizing lots of other people.
 

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