Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, October 2025 — Prof. Ajay Kapoor, a globally respected academic leader and researcher, has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. With over three decades of global academic, research, and leadership experience across India, the UK, and Australia, Prof. Kapoor, an IIT-BHU alumnus with a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions in engineering, higher education management, and institutional transformation.
Author of more than 325 research papers, three books, and several patents, Prof. Kapoor is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide (Stanford–Elsevier) and in the top 0.21% globally (AD Scientific Index). His award-winning research has had significant international impact, and he continues to serve on the editorial board of the IMechE Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. Prof. Kapoor’s leadership journey includes serving as Vice Chancellor of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Pro Vice Chancellor at Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), and holding senior academic positions at Newcastle, Sheffield, and Leicester Universities in the UK.
A distinguished figure in engineering and education, Prof. Kapoor has been recognised globally for his pioneering research and leadership. He has twice received the Sir George Julius Award and the TA Stewart-Dyer–FH Trevethick Award from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (UK) for outstanding contributions to mechanical engineering. Beyond research, he has played a key role in advancing international partnerships, industry collaborations, and innovation-led learning. Passionate about the transformative power of education, Prof. Kapoor envisions Somaiya Vidyavihar University as a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures curiosity, fosters interdisciplinary research, and prepares students and faculty to address global challenges with purpose and creativity.
“To lead Somaiya Vidyavihar University towards our goal of being proudly Indian in values, world-class in teaching and research, global in the reach of its ideas, and universal in its service to society remains our guiding purpose,” said Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. “The appointment of Prof. Ajay Kapoor marks an important step in this journey. His international experience, deep research insight, and passion for innovation align closely with our vision of nurturing knowledge and collaborations that transcend boundaries. Under his leadership, I am confident that Somaiya Vidyavihar University will continue to broaden its intellectual horizons and further enrich the learning and research ecosystem for our students and faculty.”
About Somaiya Vidyavihar University
Somaiya Vidyavihar University (Accredited with A Grade by NAAC), established in 2019, is a leading university in India, built upon the 84-year legacy of Somaiya Vidyavihar. Guided by the motto ज्ञानादेव तु कैवल्यम (‘Knowledge Alone Liberates’), the university emphasises academic excellence, holistic development, and character-building. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, the university integrates industry collaborations, interdisciplinary learning, and research-driven education.
Its strategic location in Mumbai provides students access to sectors such as Management, Engineering & Technology, Education, Dharma Studies, Commerce & Business Studies, Basic & Applied Sciences, Sports, Civilisation Studies, Languages & Literature, Music & Performing Arts, Art, Film, Humanities & Social Sciences, Design, and Library & Information Science. The university promotes innovation through its Startup Incubator and emphasises experiential learning with real-world projects. With a strong commitment to sustainability, research, and the development of well-rounded leaders, Somaiya Vidyavihar University continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s educational landscape.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
