Munish Sood
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), one of the most prominent centres of higher education in northern India, has received a major academic boost with the appointment of internationally acclaimed scientist Dr Mahavir Singh as its new Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment was officially announced by Shiv Pratap Shukla, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Chancellor of the university, which has been without a regular Vice-Chancellor for more than three years.
Dr Singh, currently the head of department at the Department of Physics at the HPU, will serve a three-year term, effective from the date he assumes office. His selection is being hailed as a strategic and visionary move to position the HPU on the global academic and research map.
Scientist with global standing
Dr Mahavir Singh hails from Kumarsain in Shimla district and has devoted more than two decades to the advancement of applied physics and material science.
In a significant international recognition, Stanford University named him among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists for 2024, a distinction based on the quality, volume and impact of his scientific contributions.
His areas of specialisation include magnetic nanomaterials (from bulk to nano and thin films), multiferroic materials, dilute magnetic semiconductors and use of magnetic nanoparticles in aerosol applications for antennas, targeted drug delivery, water purification technologies and magnetic storage solutions
Research excellence by numbers
Dr Singh’s academic achievements reflect his sustained dedication to science 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 figures not only establish him as a prolific researcher but also reflect his extensive contributions to student mentorship and international scholarship.
Driving innovation with social relevance
Over the past 12 years, Dr Mahavir Singh has focused on practical and socially impactful research. His work aims to address critical global challenges such as sustainable energy, healthcare solutions and communication efficiency. He has developed eco-friendly, biocompatible and biodegradable materials with potential applications in electric mobility, antenna miniaturisation and green energy systems.
One of his breakthrough initiatives involves replacing rare-earth magnetic materials, which are expensive and scarce, with ferrites, a more sustainable and abundantly available option in India. This innovation is seen as a potential game-changer in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors, contributing to the reduction of India’s dependency on imported rare magnets.
New era for Himachal Pradesh University
Widely respected for his academic depth, ethical leadership and global outlook, Dr Mahavir Singh has brought immense pride to Himachal Pradesh University and to the state itself. His appointment as Vice-Chancellor is expected to usher in a new era of research-driven excellence, academic expansion, and international collaboration.
