The next Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor may be a scientist. The post has been held mostly by economists in the past. According to sources, the search committee comprises of scientists who are all set to ensconce a scientist in the much coveted seat.
Three names that are doing the rounds include Hyderabad University vice-chancellor Prof. Syed Ehtesham Hasnain, JNU’s Prof. Rajendra Prasad from Centre for Life Sciences and JNU’s Prof. Zoya Hasan of Centre for Political Studies.
Out of the three, Prof. Ehtesham Hasnain’s name is being talked about with greater emphasis in JNU circles. He was in the race for Delhi University V-C’s post too.
Prof. Rajendra Prasad could be a second choice but Prof. Zoya’s chances seem dim, say sources.
The search committee includes former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation Dr K. Kasturirangan, Prof. P. Balram from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Dr Nitin Desai from Tata Energy Research Institute. As per sources, the research committee wants a scientist as a V-C this time.
In the past, Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya and his predecessor Prof. G.K. Chaddha were economists.
Prof. Hasnain is an expert in molecular medicine and he became vice-chancellor of Hyderabad University in 2005.