Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is a National Research Institute for space and allied sciences, supported mainly by the Department of Space, Government of India, and located in Ahmedabad. Founded on 11 November 1947 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, it began modestly at his residence with research on cosmic rays before being formally established at the M.G. Science Institute, Ahmedabad, with support from the Karmakshetra Educational Foundation and the Ahmedabad Education Society. Prof. K. R. Ramanathan served as its first director, focusing initially on cosmic rays and upper atmosphere studies, later expanding into theoretical physics and radio physics with support from the United States Atomic Energy Commission. PRL manages the Udaipur Solar Observatory and Mount Abu InfraRed Observatory, and runs the PLANEX planetary science and exploration programme. Its scientific divisions include Astronomy & Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Planetary Sciences, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Geosciences, Theoretical Physics, and Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics. The institute's building was designed by Achyut Kanvinde in 1962. In June 2018, PRL scientists discovered the exoplanet EPIC 211945201b (K2-236b), located 600 light years from Earth. Devendra Lal became director in 1972, expanding research into lunar meteorites, rocks, and Earth sciences.