Mumbai, September 2, 2025, – Somaiya Vidyavihar University, building on the 84-year legacy of the Somaiya Trust in education, research, and innovation, announces the appointment of Prof Arun Kumar Nayak as Dean of Research and Director of the Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy (SIRAC).

The Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy (SIRAC), part of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, is a leading research hub addressing contemporary challenges across Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Business. The institute also offers consultancy services, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to solve real-world problems and contribute to global development goals.

Prof Arun Kumar Nayak is a distinguished mechanical engineer and nuclear scientist with over 35 years of experience in advanced nuclear reactor design, safety, and energy policy. He earned his Doctorate in Engineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, and has pursued advanced research at leading institutions across Europe, including Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands), the Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), and the University of Stuttgart (Germany).

He has served at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a consultant and as an advisor to the Director General of IAEA in the field of nuclear safeguards..In India, Prof. Nayak held pivotal leadership roles at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), where he served as an Outstanding Scientist and Head of the Nuclear Controls and Planning Wing. He has also been a Senior Professor at the Homi Bhabha National Institute.

An accomplished researcher and educator, Prof Nayak has authored 9 books, published over 500 papers, and guided numerous doctoral scholars. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences.

Welcoming Prof Nayak, Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “Somaiya Vidyavihar University is committed to nurturing research, innovation, and academic excellence across disciplines. With Prof Arun Kumar Nayak joining as Dean of Research and Director of SIRAC, we look forward to further strengthening our research ecosystem, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating opportunities for our students and faculty to explore, discover, and make a meaningful impact. ”

Prof Arun Kumar Nayak shared, “Transformation of India to Vikshit Bharat can happen only through innovation, and that is solely possible by education and research. Our focus at SIRAC will be on nurturing young minds, fostering cutting-edge research, and building a culture where ideas turn into action.”