Professor Abhay Karandikar, the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K), has assumed the role of Secretary for the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This appointment marks a significant development, as it follows a two-month interim period in the department without a leader.
Karandikar, aged 58, brought with him a wealth of expertise, particularly as one of the nation’s foremost telecommunications authorities. Prior to his role at DST, he spent five years at IIT-K. His association with IIT Bombay began in 1997, where he held various key positions. He served as the Dean of Faculty Affairs from February 2017 to April 2018, and previously, he led the Electrical Engineering Department from January 2012 to January 2015. Additionally, he took on the role of Professor-in-charge of IIT Bombay Research Park between 2014 and 2017, and he was the Head of the Computer Center at IIT Bombay from August 2008 to July 2011.
The vacancy in the position of DST Secretary arose unexpectedly when S Chandrasekhar resigned for personal reasons. In the interim, Rajesh Gokhale, the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, assumed the additional responsibilities of managing this vacant role.
Karandikar’s appointment as DST Secretary has been well-received within the scientific community. He is recognized for his unwavering advocacy for research and innovation and his dedication to making science and technology accessible to a broader audience.
Expressing his gratitude, Karandikar stated, “It is a great opportunity to work at the national level, and I am thankful that the government has expressed confidence in me. I would like to work in the role to the best of my abilities,” as conveyed to The Indian Express.
