Prof. (Dr.) Ashok S. Kolaskar,VICE-CHANCELLOR
Dr. Kolaskar has joined as Vice Chancellor of KIIT University. A career of over 30 years marked by numerous accomplishments in bioinformatics research, teaching, mentoring and managing large academic institutions with outstanding success acknowledged by numerous national and international awards, fellowships and recognitions.
Past Experience
Advisor to the National Knowledge Commission of India : Responsibilities included advising and assisting the National Knowledge Commission instituted by the Prime Minister of India to formulate policies that will guide the nation into the knowledge era.
Managing Director, DSK Global Education & Research Pvt. Ltd. : Introduced for the first time in India, a new and novel model of higher education that includes major training programs in animation, gaming, and industrial design offered in collaboration with Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vallenciennois, France
Vice Chancellor, University of Pune (2001 to 2006) : As the Vice Chancellor of the University of Pune, introduced sweeping reforms in University governance, Financial Management and Quality Management. Introduced several new and innovative programs like MBA Biotechnology, Diploma program in Information and Network Security, M.Sc Bioinformatics, M.Tech Energy Studies, B.Sc Applied Geographical Information System etc. Increased University corpus substantially, from Rs.460 million to Rs.2.5 billion. Established industry academia nexus by bringing in industry as the knowledge partner. Introduced numerous student and staff welfare programs. Adopted the latest technological advances like wi-fi connectivity throughout the campus, dedicated FM Radio station, digital library, online student admissions, use of virtual classroom for quality teaching etc. Improved research and training infrastructure on the campus. Honored by IBM as the Vice Chancellor of the Year 2005.
Director of Bioinformatics, American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Virginia, USA: 1999 - 2001
Introduced the culture of research in the non-profit service organization, such as, ATCC. Initiated innovative research projects and secured substantial funding from the United States Government agencies such as National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation etc.
Professor of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Pune: 1986 to present
One of the first few scientists in the world to pursue research in bioinformatics. Pioneered the establishment of the network of Distributed Information Centers (DICs) in India in the late 80s to initiate and promote bioinformatics research in India. Teaching postgraduate programs and mentoring Ph.D. and M.Phil. students for the past 30 years at various Universities – Central University of Hyderabad, University of Pune, and George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Published more than fifty research papers in National and International peer reviewed journals.
Industry Association
- Member, Board of Directors – Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd., Pune
- Member, Scientific Advisory Committee – Jubilant Biosys Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- Member, Board of Directors – Bioinnovat, New Delhi
- Member, Technology Advisory Board, Media LabAsia, Mumbai
- Member, Governing Board Mission 10X Wipro Ltd., Bangalore
- Founding Member, Indo-US Committee on Engineering Education (IUCEE)
National Recognition
- Elected Fellow of Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
- Elected Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad
- Honorary Doctorate – Dean Dayal Upadhyaya University, Gorakhpur
- Honorary Doctor of Letters – Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune
- IBM Vice Chancellor of the Year, 2004
Membership of Public and Government Policy Making Bodies
Member, Board of Governors |
– Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore |
Member, Bioinformatics Task Force |
– Department of Biotechnology, Government of India |
Member |
- National Assessment and Accreditation Council Review Committees |
Resource Person, World Bank |
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