The Aryavarth Express New Delhi, March 30: Rishihood University has announced the appointment of internationally renowned scientist and Ewald Prize laureate, Dr. Gautam R. Desiraju, as the Dean of its Sajjan Agarwal School of Technology (SASTech). The move marks a significant step in the university’s effort to strengthen academic excellence and global relevance in technology education.
Dr. Desiraju is widely recognized as a pioneer in crystal engineering and intermolecular interactions. An Emeritus Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, he has made seminal contributions to chemistry and materials science. He has also served as President of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), reflecting his global standing in the scientific community.
In recognition of his groundbreaking research, Dr. Desiraju was awarded the prestigious Ewald Prize, one of the highest honours in crystallography. Beyond his scientific achievements, he is also the grandson of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, whose legacy continues to inspire the country’s educational values.
Welcoming the appointment, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Shobhit Mathur said, “Dr. Desiraju’s leadership marks an important milestone in our journey to build a technology school that is both intellectually rigorous and industry-relevant. His global academic stature and deep commitment to scientific inquiry align perfectly with our vision of creating a future-ready institution.”
Sharing his perspective, Dr. Desiraju said, “Technology plays a crucial role in transforming scientific knowledge into practical infrastructure, enabling innovation and self-reliance. I am honoured to take on this role at SASTech, which aims to address complex real-world challenges across fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and biotechnology. I look forward to contributing to an ecosystem that integrates research, education, and innovation.”
His appointment is expected to significantly enhance the university’s academic ecosystem, promote advanced research, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Under his leadership, SASTech aims to evolve into a centre of excellence that bridges foundational science with emerging technologies.
About Rishihood University
Rishihood University is focused on reimagining higher education as a driver of national development. It offers an interdisciplinary, industry-integrated, and values-driven learning environment that combines technology, entrepreneurship, design, mental wellness, and public policy to nurture well-rounded professionals committed to societal impact.
