2025
Bhavin J. Shastri
Queen’s physics researcher recognized for work leading to the next generation of computing
2025
Queen’s physics researcher recognized for work leading to the next generation of computing
“Bhavin Shastri (Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy) has spent the beginning of his academic career developing techniques that harness the power of light to overcome the limitations of traditional computing. Now, he is being awarded a 2025 Sloan Research Fellowship in physics, one of the most prestigious recognitions for early-career researchers in North America.
Granted annually by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation since 1955, the fellowship recognizes exceptional scholars in seven scientific disciplines: chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. The fellowship is highly competitive, with more than 1,000 researchers nominated each year from 51 academic institutions across the U.S. and Canada and only 126 awarded. Past recipients have gone on to win 58 Nobel Prizes, including last year’s physics laureate, John Hopfield, and Canadian optical physicist Donna Strickland (2018).
“Being named a Sloan Research Fellow is an incredible honour. This recognition is a testament to the exciting possibilities in photonics and computing, and the outstanding research environment at Queen’s and our international leadership in physics.”
The Sloan Research Fellowship has a long history of identifying future scientific leaders. Dr. Shastri is the fourth Queen’s researcher to receive the Sloan, with the most recent awarded to David Fleet (1996). In 2024, 126 Sloan Research Fellowships were awarded, with only four presented to researchers from Canadian institutions. Dr. Shastri was nominated by Arthur McDonald, 2015 Nobel Laureate in physics and Queen’s professor emeritus.”
Published by Michelle Fox, Queen’s Gazette, Queen’s University.
