Nagpur, India: Dr. Atul Vaidya, Director of the National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU), Nagpur. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of Universities, C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Dr. Vaidya’s tenure as V-C will span five years from the date he assumes office or until he turns 65, whichever comes first. An alumnus of LITU (formerly LIT), Dr. Vaidya holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the institution and a PhD from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. He has been associated with NEERI since 1990, beginning as a Junior Scientist and progressing through various leadership roles, showcasing his expertise in research, teaching, and administration.

A committee headed by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, former Director of CSIR, selected Dr. Vaidya for the position. Other members included Dr. Ashish Lele (Director, National Chemical Laboratory), Prof. E. Suresh Kumar (former V-C of The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad), and Vikas Chandra Rastogi (Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education).

Dr. Vaidya expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am yet to receive official communication. Once I do, I will decide on my next steps." He is set to retire from NEERI in December and will take charge at LITU soon after.

The LIT community has warmly welcomed the news, with congratulations from Padmashri Dr. G.D. Yadav (Chairman, LIT Board of Governors), Mohan Pande (Principal Advisor), and other key members, including Utkarsh Khopkar and Sachin Palsokar. Vigyan Bharati, where Dr. Vaidya serves as an advisor, also praised his appointment.