Koraput, Jul 3: Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasani, Director of CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, Koraput, officials said on Friday.

The appointment was made by the President of India, who serves as the Visitor of the university. According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Education, Dr. Shasani will serve a five-year term.

Dr. Shasani is a distinguished scientist with extensive experience in plant biotechnology and botanical research. Before his current role at NBRI, he served as Director of ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, and earlier as Chief Scientist of the Biotechnology Division at CSIR–Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow.

His appointment is expected to bring significant academic and research expertise to the Central University of Odisha, which has been steadily expanding its footprint in higher education and research in the region. With his background in biotechnology and leadership in premier national institutes, Dr. Shasani is likely to strengthen the university’s focus on scientific innovation and interdisciplinary studies.

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The Central University of Odisha, established in 2009, has played a vital role in expanding access to higher education in the state’s tribal and rural heartland. The appointment of Dr. Shasani is seen as a step towards enhancing the institution’s academic profile and research collaborations.