Professor V. Ramgopal Rao boasts a distinguished and multifaceted career characterized by academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to various fields.
EDUCATION
Professor V. Ramgopal Rao’s academic journey is marked by a series of notable achievements and educational milestones. He began his educational pursuit at Govt Upper Primary School Kollapur in Telangana, India, where he completed his primary education with a consistent record of academic excellence from 1st to 10th standard, maintaining a first-class performance throughout.
Continuing his educational journey, he attended Govt RID Junior College Kollapur (Telugu medium) for his intermediate studies in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, where he once again demonstrated outstanding academic prowess, earning distinctions.
His dedication to education led him to Kakatiya University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degree in Electronics & Instrumentation from 1982 to 1986, attaining the highest grade of Distinction. This laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the field of technology and engineering.
Following his undergraduate studies, Professor Rao pursued a Master of Technology (M.Tech) degree in Microelectronics at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) from 1989 to 1991. His commitment to excellence continued as he furthered his education in the realm of microelectronics.
Professor Rao’s academic journey culminated in Germany, where he pursued a Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing) with a specialization in Nanoelectronics at Universitat der Bundeswehr Munich, Germany, from 1995 to 1997. His doctoral work represented a significant contribution to the field of nanoelectronics, demonstrating his passion for cutting-edge research and innovation.
Subsequently, he further expanded his academic horizons by undertaking a post-doctoral fellowship in Nanoelectronics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1997 to 1998. This experience provided him with exposure to international research and enriched his knowledge in the field.
Professor V. Ramgopal Rao’s educational journey serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and his continuous pursuit of knowledge in the domains of electronics, microelectronics, and nanoelectronics. His educational achievements have laid a strong foundation for his subsequent impactful career in academia, research, and leadership.
CAREER
As of his latest appointments, he holds the prestigious position of Group Vice Chancellor at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Campuses, a renowned institution with a global presence. In this capacity, Professor Rao plays a pivotal role in overseeing the academic and research endeavors of the BITS Pilani network, which includes campuses in Pilani, Hyderabad, Goa, Dubai, and Mumbai. His responsibilities encompass shaping the institution’s strategic direction, fostering academic excellence, and promoting research initiatives.
In addition to his role at BITS Pilani, Professor Rao serves as the Chairman of the Council of Management for the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), further solidifying his commitment to advancing cutting-edge scientific research and development. As the Chairman of the Board of Governors, he provides invaluable guidance and leadership to the institution, ensuring its continued success in pioneering groundbreaking research and scientific advancements.
Professor Rao’s influence extends to the realm of food technology and entrepreneurship as well. He holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM). NIFTEM plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of food technology and entrepreneurship in India. In this capacity, Professor Rao contributes to the institution’s growth and mission to foster innovation and excellence in the food sector.
Beyond academia and research, Professor Rao is an Independent Director on the Board of Directors of JBM Auto Ltd, a global conglomerate with operations spanning over 25 locations across 10 countries. JBM Group is renowned for its contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of electric vehicles and key auto systems. As an Independent Director, Professor Rao leverages his expertise to guide the company’s strategic decisions and contribute to its global impact.
These leadership roles reflect Professor V. Ramgopal Rao’s unwavering commitment to advancing education, fostering groundbreaking research, and facilitating innovation across multiple domains. His extensive contributions continue to make a lasting and meaningful impact on academia, research, industry, and the broader landscape of higher education in India and beyond.
