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Chair Professors, academic leaders of distinction, shape research, mentorship, and innovation within universities. Their expertise influences academic discourse and inspires excellence across disciplines. Through mentorship, they guide the next generation of scholars, fostering collaboration and intellectual growth. Spearheading groundbreaking research, they push the boundaries of human understanding and drive transformative breakthroughs. Their impact extends beyond academia, enriching public discourse and informing policy decisions. As beacons of knowledge, they instill a commitment to excellence and integrity in their students and peers.
Dr. K. Anantha Padmanabhan
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Chair Professor
Engineering
ananthaster@gmail.com
Dr. K. Anantha Padmanabhan
Dr. K. Anantha Padmanabhan is a distinguished Indian academician renowned for his contributions to the fields of materials science and engineering, particularly in metallurgical science. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Padmanabhan has made significant advancements in understanding the properties and applications of various materials, shaping the landscape of modern industry and technology.
As a leading scholar, Dr. Padmanabhan has authored numerous research papers and publications that delve into the intricate mechanisms governing the behavior of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. His work encompasses a wide range of topics, including alloy development, phase transformations, and material characterization techniques, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community.
Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Padmanabhan is deeply committed to education and mentorship. As a professor and academic leader, he has inspired countless students to pursue careers in materials science and engineering, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators. His dedication to teaching excellence and academic rigor has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike.
Dr. Padmanabhan's impact extends beyond the confines of academia, as he actively collaborates with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications. His expertise in materials engineering has played a crucial role in the development of new materials with enhanced properties, revolutionizing industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to electronics and renewable energy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. K. Anantha Padmanabhan has received numerous accolades and honors for his outstanding contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. His work continues to shape the future of materials technology, driving innovation and progress in diverse sectors of society. As a visionary leader and pioneering researcher, Dr. Padmanabhan remains a beacon of inspiration for scientists and engineers around the world, dedicated to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in materials science and engineering.
- Email:ananthaster@gmail.com
Prof. J.N. Reddy
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Chair Professor
Mechanical Engineering
nreddy@tamu.edu
Prof. J.N. Reddy
Dr. Reddy is a Distinguished Professor and inaugural holder of the Oscar S. Wyatt Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering at TexasA&MUniversity, College Station, Texas. Dr. Reddy is the author of over 550 journal papers and 20 textbooks on theoretical formulations and finite-element analysis of problems in solid and structural mechanics (plates and shells), composite materials, computational fluid dynamics, numerical heat transfer, and applied mathematics.
Professor Reddy is internationally known for his research on the mechanics of composite materials and for computational methods. The shear deformation plate and shell theories that he developed and bear his name in the literature are well known, and finite element models he developed have been implemented into commercial software like ABAQUS, NISA, and HyperXtrude. Such an eminent record of research has earned Dr. Reddy numerous national and international awards, including
- 1992: Worcester Reed Warner Medal and 1995 Charles Russ Richards Memorial Award of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- 1997: Archie Higdon Distinguished Educator Award from the Mechanics Division of the American Society of Engineering Education
- 1998: Nathan M. Newmark Medal from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- 2000: Excellence in the Field of Composites and 2004 Distinguished Research Award from the American Society for Composites (ASC)
- 2003: Computational Solid Mechanics award from the USACM;
- 2014: The IACM O.C. Zienkiewicz Award from the IACM
- 2014: Raymond D. Mindlin Medal from the Engineering Mechanics Institute of ASCE
- 2015: elected as a member of the US National Academy of Engineering;
- 2015: He was elected as Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering
- 2015: Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology of Oklahoma State University
- 2016: Simpson Distinguished Visiting Professor, Northwestern University
- 2016: William Prager Medal of the Society of Engineering Science
- 2016: ASME Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (the highest honor ASME can bestow on an engineer)
Professor Reddy has had a profound influence on the careers of many students and young researchers who came in contact with him during his professional career (not only as students and collaborators but also as participants in his short courses, workshops and seminars during his visits to various institutions and conferences). Some never met him but were influenced by his writings.
- Email:nreddy@tamu.edu
Prof. Debes Bhattacharyya
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Chair Professor
Mechanical Engineering
d.bhattacharyya@auckland.ac.nz
Prof. Debes Bhattacharyya
Professor Debes Bhattacharyya is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and has been the founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials at the University of Auckland, since 2004. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at Washington State University, Pullman, USA. Professor Bhattacharyya was the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department from 1999 to early 2005. His research interest includes the mechanics and manufacturing of composite materials.
He has held visiting positions at various universities in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong and the US, and has been awarded a number of international awards. Prof. Bhattacharyya has more than 450 scientific/technical publications including several edited/authored books and a number of book chapters. He has successfully implemented several international patents. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, NZ and a Distinguished Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (IPENZ).
Professor Bhattacharyya has always been a dedicated teacher introducing, coordinating and teaching multiple courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For his undergraduate teaching he has been on the Dean’s Top Teacher list seven times. He has been involved in the supervision of about 100 postgraduate students including 55 doctoral candidates, many of whom have been very successful in the academic/industrial positions around the world.
Professor Bhattacharyya has successfully inspired a group of researchers and has played the leader’s role in establishing composites research at the University of Auckland. Starting from a modest background he formally established the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM) in 2004 with impressive research facilities, which has currently about 50 researchers. Within a reasonably short period of time CACM has received significant national/international recognition with projects coming from NZ, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, UK and USA. More than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students have done their research at CACM with a significant number of international students completing their degrees.
He was also honoured in 2010 by three prestigious international awards, ‘Hind Rattan’ award from New Delhi, ‘Glory of Bengal’ award from Doha, Qatar and a Gold Medal awarded at the House of Lords, London to ‘celebrate the role of global Indians in international arena’. In January 2011 he was also given the prestigious ‘Nav Rattan’ award at a ceremony in New Delhi for his active involvement in the social front .
Dr. Tarun Khanna
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Chair Professor
Engineering
tkhanna@hbs.edu
Dr. Tarun Khanna
Dr. Tarun Khanna is a world-renowned person at Harvard Business School, known for his expertise in global strategy, entrepreneurship, and emerging markets. As the Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at Harvard Business School, Dr. Khanna has left an indelible mark on the field of business education.
His research spans a wide array of topics, from corporate strategy to institutional governance, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Through his groundbreaking work, Dr. Khanna has shed light on the complexities of doing business in diverse cultural and institutional contexts, offering invaluable insights to scholars and practitioners alike.
Beyond academia, Dr. Khanna is a prolific author, with several highly acclaimed books to his name, including "Billions of Entrepreneurs" and "Winning in Emerging Markets." His writings have inspired countless entrepreneurs and business leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of global markets with confidence and ingenuity.
As an educator, Dr. Khanna is known for his engaging teaching style and profound commitment to student learning. Through his courses and lectures, he challenges conventional wisdom, encourages critical thinking, and inspires students to become agents of change in the world of business.
Dr. Tarun Khanna's influence extends far beyond the walls of Harvard Business School. As a sought-after speaker and advisor, he has shared his expertise with organizations and governments around the world, shaping strategies for economic development and growth.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and education, Dr. Khanna has received numerous accolades and awards, cementing his status as a leading authority in the field of global business. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of business leaders to think boldly, act decisively, and make a positive impact on the world.
- Email:tkhanna@hbs.edu
Dr. Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Chair Professor
Engineering
kawazoe@e-workshop.co.jp
Dr. Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
Dr.Kawazoe is a Professor and Professor Emeritus in the New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, at Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. He is the author of over 1,000 ISI journal papers with more than 20,000 citations (h-index 63), over 50 books (including editing), and 10 patents on wide range in science and engineering, mainly computational materials science. Professor Kawazoe is the founder of ACCMS (Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science) with the history of 20 years, and has served hard/soft computer resources to researchers in developing countries.
He also contributed to start Japan Nano-Science and –Engineering Society 15 years ago and was the President. These societies are now matured and spread out attracting more members. He has been a Mega-grant Leader (1 Million US$/year) in Russian Academy of Science from 2012 to 2015 on gas hydrate research. He holds a number of positions in Japan and worldwide; an MRSI honorable member, Advisor Professor of Fudan University, China, President of NPO Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Advisor to Japan Gene Research Laboratory, and more.He has been invited by a number of research/teaching organizations, including Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, University of California in Berkeley, Kuwait Institute of Science and Technology, and The University of Tokyo.
Professor Kawazoe has started his research in nuclear physics as a hard core theoretical physicist. He was one of the first generation to use computers in research in Japan. At that time, his computer skill was very much special and he contributed to start Education Center for Information Processing, Tohoku University in 1982. He was the first implementing bitnet (present Internet) in Japanese National University. Later he was promoted to be the Director of the Computer Center in Tohoku University. He was invited to be a full professor in 1990 in the Institute for Materials Research, one of the most famous institutes worldwide, and started his carrier by applying his basic physics background and high level computer skill.
He has been developing his own computer code for materials design, TOMBO=TOhoku Mixed Basis Orbitals ab initio simulation package with his collaborators. TOMBO includes a number of original tools which other similar codes cannot compute; for example, absolute energy estimation of electronic levels and time course simulation of chemical reaction. He revealed that the present standard of theoretical modeling such as Hubbard model is incorrect, and showed for example the true origin of magnetism, which should change the standard textbooks in solid state physics, quantum chemistry, and computational materials science.
From Professor Kawazoe’s laboratory 34 PhD (17 from abroad), 45 Master students graduated. They are very international from 10 countries. They now are working successfully in research/education institutes and companies in many countries. Some of them have already been promoted as professors and their students call Professor Kawazoe as the Grand-Professor.
- Email:kawazoe@e-workshop.co.jp
Mr. Ramanan R
Visiting Chair Professor
SRM IIEC
rramanan27@gmail.com
Mr. Ramanan R
Ramanan Ramanathan, a prominent personality in the realm of innovation and technology, is widely recognized for his transformative leadership and visionary contributions to India's innovation ecosystem. With a diverse background spanning technology, entrepreneurship, and public service, Ramanan has emerged as a driving force behind several pioneering initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
As the Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Ramanan spearheads efforts to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. Under his stewardship, AIM has launched numerous programs such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), and Atal New India Challenges (ANICs), empowering aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.
Ramanan's leadership at AIM is characterized by a steadfast commitment to democratizing access to innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly among youth and marginalized communities. Through strategic partnerships with industry, academia, and government, he fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving inclusive growth and social impact.
Beyond his role at AIM, Ramanan is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology and innovation to address pressing societal challenges. His pioneering work in areas such as clean energy, healthcare, and sustainability has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Ramanan's vision, foresight, and tireless dedication to advancing the cause of innovation have positioned him as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs across India. His unwavering commitment to driving positive change through innovation underscores his profound impact on India's journey towards becoming a global innovation powerhouse.
As India continues to chart its path toward economic growth and sustainable development, Ramanan Ramanathan's leadership serves as a guiding light, inspiring individuals and institutions to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology as powerful catalysts for change. His legacy will undoubtedly shape the future of innovation in India for generations to come.
- Email:rramanan27@gmail.com
Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Chehimi
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Chair Professor
Nanotechnology Research Centre
mohamed.chehimi@cnrs.fr
Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Chehimi
Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Chehimi is a distinguished scientist and researcher known for his groundbreaking work in the field of surface chemistry and materials science. With a career spanning a few decades, Dr. Chehimi has made significant contributions to advancing our understanding of surface modification techniques and their applications in diverse fields such as catalysis, sensors, and biomedical devices.
Throughout his career, Dr. Chehimi has held various academic and research positions, collaborating with leading institutions and universities around the world. His research focuses on the design and characterization of functionalized surfaces, aiming to tailor their properties for specific applications. Dr. Chehimi's work has led to the development of novel materials with enhanced performance and functionality, paving the way for advancements in areas such as environmental remediation and renewable energy.
In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Chehimi is committed to education and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through his teaching and supervision of graduate students. He is known for his passion for science and his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that drive innovation and scientific progress.
Dr. Chehimi's contributions to the field of surface chemistry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including prestigious fellowships and memberships in scientific societies. He is widely regarded as a leading authority in his field, sought after for his expertise and insights into surface modification techniques and their applications.
As a pioneer in surface chemistry and materials science, Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Chehimi continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, contributing to advancements that have the potential to impact numerous industries and improve lives around the world. His dedication to research excellence and his commitment to advancing the frontiers of science make him a true luminary in the scientific community.
- Email:mohamed.chehimi@cnrs.fr
Prof. Tej Pal Singh
Prof. G.N. Ramachandran Chair Professor
School of Bioengineering
tpsingh.aiims@gmail.com
Prof. Tej Pal Singh
Prof. Tej Pal Singh stands as a trailblazer in the realm of biophysics, renowned for his groundbreaking research and unparalleled contributions to scientific inquiry. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first Indian to receive all six Ramachandran awards in the country, a testament to his exceptional prowess and dedication to the field.
Under his leadership, Prof. Singh's research group has made significant strides in elucidating the three-dimensional structures of various proteins, including lactoperoxidase, peptidoglycan recognition protein, and lactoferrin, among others, derived from diverse species. Additionally, his team has undertaken elaborate structural studies on proteins pivotal in drug targeting, such as phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase, aiming to unravel their molecular intricacies and inform the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
Prof. Singh's pioneering work extends to peptide design, where he has developed innovative rules utilizing alpha and beta-dehydro-amino acids. These design principles, honed through meticulous synthesis and structural elucidation using X-ray and NMR techniques, enable the tailored creation of peptides that serve as potent inhibitors of target enzymes and receptors, laying the groundwork for promising therapeutic agents.
In a move towards advancing clinical applications, Prof. Singh initiated a groundbreaking program on Clinical Proteomics at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. This visionary initiative seeks to comprehensively characterize proteins expressed during various pathophysiological conditions, with the aim of identifying potential biomarkers or targets for drug design. The program's focus on newly discovered proteins holds immense potential in unraveling disease mechanisms and paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Prof. Tej Pal Singh's pioneering research, characterized by its depth and breadth, has not only expanded our understanding of biophysics but also holds profound implications for medical science and drug development. His unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry and pursuit of excellence continues to inspire generations of researchers, paving the way for transformative advancements in the field of biophysics and beyond.
- Email:tpsingh.aiims@gmail.com
Prof. Ayyappanpillai Ajayaghosh
Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Chair Professor
School of Basic Sciences
ajayaghosh62@gmail.com
Prof. Ayyappanpillai Ajayaghosh
Prof. Ajayaghosh, currently S. S. Bhatnagar Chair Professor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, is the former Director of CSIR-NIIST and a J. C. Bose National Fellow at CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, India. He obtained master's and Ph. D. in chemistry from Calicut University. His research interests are in the areas of organic materials such as fluorescent materials, photoresponsive materials, organogels, molecular probes, covalent organic frameworks, etc.
He introduced a new class of soft materials namely pi-gels and studied the fundamental science behind the creation of such materials, which was widely accepted by the scientific community. His research findings and publications are well cited with around 20000 citations with an h-index of 70 (Google citations).
- Email:ajayagha@srmist.edu.in
Dr. Sherali Zeadally
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Distinguished Professor
Computational Intelligence
szeadally@uky.edu
Dr. Sherali Zeadally
Dr. Sherali Zeadally, an esteemed faculty member at the University of Kentucky (UKY), is a prominent figure in the field of computer science and cybersecurity. With a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking research and scholarly contributions, Dr. Zeadally has emerged as a leading authority in the areas of networking, privacy, and digital forensics.
As a professor and researcher at UKY, Dr. Zeadally has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of complex networking systems and their security implications. His research encompasses a wide range of topics, including wireless networks, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and blockchain technology. Through his innovative work, Dr. Zeadally has made significant contributions to addressing critical cybersecurity challenges and enhancing the resilience of digital infrastructures.
Dr. Zeadally's scholarly endeavors extend beyond traditional academic boundaries, as evidenced by his prolific publication record and active participation in professional societies and conferences. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books, disseminating valuable insights and findings to the broader scientific community. Moreover, Dr. Zeadally's leadership roles in professional organizations underscore his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers and practitioners worldwide.
In addition to his research and academic pursuits, Dr. Zeadally is deeply engaged in education and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through his teaching and supervision of graduate students. His dedication to excellence in education and his passion for empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills have earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and students alike.
Dr. Sherali Zeadally's contributions to the field of computer science and cybersecurity have been recognized with numerous accolades and honors. As a thought leader and innovator, he continues to shape the trajectory of cybersecurity research and practice, driving progress and innovation in an increasingly interconnected and digital world. Through his visionary leadership and impactful scholarship, Dr. Zeadally embodies the spirit of academic excellence and serves as an inspiration to aspiring researchers and cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
- Email:szeadally@uky.edu
Mr. T. R. Parasuraman
GD Naidu Chair Professor
Mechanical Engineering
trparasu@srmist.edu.in
trparasu@gmail.com
Mr. T. R. Parasuraman
Mr. T.R. Parasuraman is a prominent personality in the automotive industry, particularly known for his leadership role at Toyota Industries Engine India Pvt. Ltd., where he served as the President and Deputy Managing Director. With over 38 years of experience with TVS & Toyota affiliate companies, Mr. Parasuraman has contributed significantly to various sectors such as brakes, axles, transmission, engines & auto manufacturing areas. He has held diverse roles in manufacturing, purchasing, finance, HRD, and safety and environment.
His philosophy centers on the Japanese concept of "monozukuri," which emphasizes creating quality products through the development of people, and he advocates for continuous improvement (Kaizen) and respect for people, which are core principles of the Toyota Way.
Mr. T.R. Parasuraman also held several prestigious positions and has a distinguished career in the automotive and industrial sectors.
He is the present ASSOCHAM Chairman of the Southern Regional Council & the Karnataka State Development Council where he is playing a vital role in guiding development initiatives in the southern region of India and Karnataka.
He has led the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), one of the leading industry associations in Bangalore, promoting industrial growth and business collaboration.
As the past Chairman of the Quality Circle Forum of India, Bangalore Chapter, Mr. Parasuraman has been instrumental in advancing quality improvement practices in India through his leadership.
His areas of passion are global manufacturing best practices, lean manufacturing, Japanese management & culture, TQM, TPM, corporate strategy, operations management, supply chain, HR etc.
- Email:trparasu@gmail.com
Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai
Sir C. V. Raman Chair Professor
School of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai
Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Ph.D, D.Sc
Dr. Pillai graduated in Electrical Engineering from Madras University, underwent Management Programme at Harvard Business School, and obtained PhD from Pune University and D.Sc from Tumkur University. Dr. Pillai’s four decades of experience in ISRO and DRDO under the great visionary leaders Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam made him a Technology Leader in the field of launch vehicles and guided missiles. His contributions to the successful development of SLV-3 as a core team member and evolution of PSLV configuration for ISRO have been remarkable.
Dr. Pillai’s skills in networking multiple institutions for the development of critical missile technologies overcoming denial regimes enabled realization of Agni, Prithvi, Nag and Akash missiles under the IGMDP as its Programme Director.
BrahMos Aerospace is a unique Joint Venture, first of its kind between India and Russia to design, develop, produce and market the most advanced supersonic cruise missile. His outstanding leadership qualities made India proud to possess the fastest, highly precise and the most potent missile BRAHMOS which is now inducted in the Indian Armed Forces. BRAHMOS is a world leader in the family of Cruise Missiles surpassing those in the developed countries. As the founder CEO&MD of the Joint Venture, Dr. Pillai is regarded as the “Father of BrahMos” which has become a role model for establishing joint ventures between the countries.
Well known as a defence technologist in the world, Dr. Pillai has been recognised by many prestigious engineering and management institutions with Fellowships. He has received many Honorary Doctorates from Twelve reputed Universities of India and Russia. The Moscow University of “Security, Defence and Law Enforcement” honoured Dr. Pillai with the “Order of the Peter the Great” and the Academician of the University. Dr. Pillai has published many papers in international and national journals and conferences. Dr. Pillai has written many books including Revolution in Leadership, Nano Science and Nano Technology for Engineering. He is the co-author with Dr. Kalam for the books (a) Envisioning an Empowered Nation and (b) ‘Thoughts for Change – we can do it’. Dr. Pillai is a recipient of various prestigious awards including Technology Leadership Award, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Research Award, Organization for Industrial, Spiritual & Cultural Advancement International Award from Japan, Raja Rammohan Puraskar, Lokamanya Tilak Award, Lal Bahadur Shastri Award, Performance Excellence Award from Institution of Industrial Engineering, and most importantly Padma Shri (2002) & Padma Bhushan (2013) by the Govt. of India for his contribution to Aerospace and Missile Technologies and “ORDER OF FRIENDSHIP” by the Govt. of Russian Federation, the highest Russian Award for the foreign citizens of highest order.
- Email: aspillai@srmist.edu.in
