Himachal Pradesh University Appoints Dr. Mahavir Singh as New Vice-Chancellor
Significant Leadership Change at Himachal Pradesh University
Munish Sood
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), a leading institution for higher education in northern India, has made a significant advancement with the appointment of Dr. Mahavir Singh, a globally recognized scientist, as its new Vice-Chancellor.
The announcement was made by Shiv Pratap Shukla, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Chancellor of the university, which has been without a regular Vice-Chancellor for over three years. Dr. Singh, who currently leads the Department of Physics at HPU, will begin his three-year term upon taking office. His selection is viewed as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing HPU's global academic and research profile.
A Scientist of International Repute
Dr. Mahavir Singh, originally from Kumarsain in Shimla district, has dedicated more than twenty years to the fields of applied physics and material science. He has recently been recognized by Stanford University as one of the top 2 percent of scientists worldwide for 2024, a distinction reflecting the quality and impact of his research contributions.
His expertise encompasses magnetic nanomaterials, multiferroic materials, dilute magnetic semiconductors, and the application of magnetic nanoparticles in various fields, including antennas, targeted drug delivery, water purification, and magnetic storage solutions.
Impressive Research Contributions
Dr. Singh's academic record showcases his commitment to research and innovation:
- Research papers published: 256
- Book chapters published (Springer): 02
- Book editor (Springer): 01
- Conferences attended: 152
- PhD scholars guided: 23
- MPhil scholars guided: 36
- Master’s theses supervised: 70
- Total citations: 4,306
- h-index: 38
- i10-index: 102
These statistics not only highlight his prolific research output but also his significant role in mentoring students and contributing to international scholarship.
Innovative Research with Societal Impact
For the past twelve years, Dr. Mahavir Singh has concentrated on research that is both practical and socially relevant. His work addresses pressing global issues such as sustainable energy, healthcare advancements, and communication efficiency. He has pioneered the development of eco-friendly, biocompatible, and biodegradable materials that can be utilized in electric mobility, antenna miniaturization, and green energy systems.
One of his notable innovations involves substituting rare-earth magnetic materials, which are costly and limited in availability, with ferrites, a more sustainable and plentiful resource in India. This advancement is anticipated to significantly impact the electric vehicle and energy storage industries, reducing India's reliance on imported rare magnets.
A New Chapter for Himachal Pradesh University
Dr. Mahavir Singh is highly regarded for his academic expertise, ethical leadership, and global perspective. His appointment as Vice-Chancellor is expected to herald a new phase of research excellence, academic growth, and international partnerships at Himachal Pradesh University.