AMA hosts 16th Dr. Lalita Iyer Memorial Lecture: NASA-linked Astrophysicist Dr. Ekta Shah Speaks on “Her Space, Her Story”
Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) hosted the 16th Dr. Lalita Iyer Memorial Lecture on “Her Space, Her Story: Women Shaping Science & Management Education through Leadership, Learning, and Legacy” addressed by a distinguished Astrophysicist, Data Scientist, and Scientific Research Mentor Dr. Ekta Shah. Dr. Shah is internationally renowned for mapping the universe’s earliest large-scale structures. Her groundbreaking discovery of six new galaxy protostructures—named after the six Indian senses: Drishti, Surabhi, Sparsh, Ruchi, Smriti, and Shravan—is now a key reference for research groups across the USA and Europe. The Chief Guest Dr. Ekta Shah distributed the Certificate to students of AMA’s Advanced Certificate Programs in Data Analytics & Power BI, Artificial Intelligence for Business Managers, Sports Management, and Business Management.
A Journey through Space and Time
The discovered structures represent some of the largest known overdensities in the cosmos, dating back to an era when the universe was only a fraction of its current age.
“As we look further away, we are looking into the past of the universe,” Dr. Shah explained. “These systems are incredibly faint and distant, requiring the world’s most powerful telescopes to observe.”
The research involved several nights of observation using major ground-based telescopes, where operational costs can exceed ₹1 crore per night. By combining complex datasets and applying rigorous 3D analysis, Dr. Shah and her team successfully identified these ancient structures hidden within the vastness of space.
Naming the Cosmos
When asked about the unique names chosen for the galaxies, Dr. Shah emphasized a desire for universal connection. “I wanted to choose names that everyone could connect with. These six senses define our human experience, just as these structures define the early architecture of our universe. It is a reminder that we are made of the universe, and the universe is a part of us.”
The Future of Space Science: AI & Data Science
A recipient of the prestigious LSSTC Data Science Fellowship, Dr. Shah highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in modern astronomy. She noted that current telescopes collect as much data in a single night as exists on the entire internet.
“AI and Data Science allow us to process millions of galaxies in seconds—tasks that previously took years,” said Dr. Shah. “These tools are not just speeding up our work; they are helping us uncover new mathematical laws of the universe that human limitations might otherwise miss.”
Accolades and Vision
Dr. Shah, who was recently honored with the NRG-SPET Ratna Award (2025), credited her success to a mantra of “unwavering dedication and resourcefulness.” Having risen from a modest background in Anand, Gujarat, to the heights of NASA-funded research, she serves as a global ambassador for Indian scientific excellence.
“Working with NASA allows you to see how humanity shapes the future,” she remarked. “We are already planning telescopes for 2040. It is about identifying a goal, no matter how distant, and creating the opportunities to reach it.”
About the Memorial Lecture
The Dr. Lalita Iyer-AMA Centre for the Development of Women is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Lalita Iyer, wife of Shri P.V.R.N. Iyer (Past President of AMA). Dr. Iyer was a passionate advocate for the empowerment and personal growth of women. This annual memorial lecture continues her legacy by featuring notable speakers who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
