Aiyagari Venkatesh Rao

Biography

Dr. Aiyagari is a Mechanical Engineer, an expert in Science Policy Studies and specialises in the areas of Operations Research, Systems Analysis and Industrial Engineering Problems. At PHFI, he is a Senior Advisor for Research and Scientific Operations and is involved with Research policy guidelines for supporting PHFI research agenda, capacity building and training efforts and academic management. In addition, he is assisting PHFI in specific activities related to the Wellcome Trust Grant, developing PHFI as a University and as an Institute of National Importance, and mentoring the young faculty and research fellows. Dr. Rao Aiyagari has served as Scientific Adviser to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for a number of years and has made significant and outstanding contributions towards the promotion of Research & Development (R&D) in Science and Engineering, through the National Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) and also in the formulation of Government’s policy on science and technology. He was the Head of the Science and Engineering Research Council. He has also significantly contributed to the Review of Scientific Policies and the preparation of the new Science & Technology Policy of the Government. He has greatly contributed to the Indian Nano Technology Mission, as its “Mission Director” and has made outstanding contributions to the programmes of the United Nations in Science & Technology. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

Research Interest

Science and technology policy and planning, R&D programme management, scientometrics, and operations research.