Somaiya Vidyavihar University Welcomes Prof Ajay Kapoor as Vice Chancellor

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. An IIT-BHU alumnus with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, Prof Kapoor is a globally recognised academic leader and researcher known 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 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.”