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Virander Singh Chauhan

Virander Singh Chauhan

Chancellor

Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan: Chancellor, GITAM Deemed to be University

  • Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan, Chancellor of GITAM Deemed to be University, is a distinguished scientist, academician, and policy leader. With over 40 years of experience spanning research, education, and governance, Dr. Chauhan provides strategic direction to GITAM’s mission of transforming education and research for societal impact. He is a Rhodes Scholar, Padma Shri awardee, and a globally recognized genetic engineering and biotechnology expert.

Academic and Professional Background

  • Dr. Chauhan's academic qualifications include:

  • Rhodes Scholar, University of Oxford: D.Phil. in Chemistry (1977).
  • Delhi University: Ph.D. (1974) and M.Sc. in Chemistry (1971).
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Georgia, USA (1977–78).

  • Dr. Chauhan has held pivotal leadership positions, including:

  • Director, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi(1998–2014):Spearheaded global research initiatives in malaria and biotechnology.
  • Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC)(2017–2018):Oversaw policy reforms in Indian higher education.
  • Executive Chairman, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Focused on improving the quality benchmarks of Indian universities.
  • Faculty Roles Assistant Professor at IIT Kanpur and Professor at Delhi University, where he mentored generations of students and researchers.

Contributions to Science and Research

  • Dr. Chauhan has significantly contributed to biotechnology and translational research, particularly in malaria biology and drug delivery. His key achievements include:

1. Vaccine Development:

  • Development of India’s first recombinant malaria vaccine, currently in clinical trials.
  • Research on artemisinin and chloroquine mechanisms, enhancing malaria treatment protocols.

2. Peptide-Based Drug Platforms:

  • Design and synthesis of conformationally restricted peptides for drug delivery and antimicrobial therapies.
  • Development of dipeptide-based nanostructures for cancer-targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

3. Collaborative Research:

  • Partnerships with institutions such as LV Prasad Eye Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, NIPER Mohali, Syngene International Limited, Anthem Biosciences, and Zydus Cadila Healthcare to advance translational research in areas including cancer-targeted drug delivery, antimicrobial therapies, peptide-based platforms, and biomedical innovations.
  • Published over 270 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Dr. Chauhan's contributions have earned him numerous accolades:

  • Padma Shri (2012): For significant contributions to science and human resource development.
  • Fellowships from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS),National Academy of Sciences,India(NASI), and the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc).
  • Awards include the Ranbaxy Research Award, Om Prakash Bhasin Award, Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize, and Biospectrum Person of the Year.

Chancellor’s Vision for GITAM

As the lighthouse of GITAM, Dr. Chauhan is steering the university towards becoming an exceptional knowledge-driven institution in applied education and translational research. His leadership ensures that GITAM’s academic and research frameworks address real-world challenges while nurturing students’ valuable futures.

1. Multidisciplinary Research

The Multidisciplinary Units of Research in Translational Initiatives (MURTI) Centre fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced materials. Research teams focus on practical, scalable solutions to societal challenges.

2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Technology Exploration and Product Engineering (TEPE) Lab: Empowers students and faculty to prototype and engineer solutions with industry applications.
  • Venture Development Centre (VDC): Provides startups with mentorship, funding, and market access, enabling entrepreneurial growth within the GITAM ecosystem.

3. Specialized Research Hubs

  • Makers’ Space: Offers hands-on training and tools for creative engineering.
  • Centre for Extended Reality (CER): Develops immersive AR/VR solutions for education and industry
  • Centre for Autonomous Systems:  Advances robotics and AI for intelligent applications.
  • Centre for Health & Wellness Innovation: Tackles preventive healthcare challenges with innovative technology.
  • Centre for Aerospace Systems Design and Practice: Drives research in aerospace engineering and systems development.
  • Centre for Biomedical Devices: Focuses on diagnostics and therapeutic innovations for healthcare.

  • Dr. Chauhan’s leadership exemplifies GITAM’s commitment to bridging applied education and translational research. His experience and vision position GITAM as a hub of innovation, preparing students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to excel in addressing global challenges. Under his guidance, GITAM is poised to redefine the boundaries of education and research for a sustainable and impactful future.
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