Short Bio

Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar

Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor International (South Asia & Middle East)

Director Melbourne Global Centre Delhi

Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar (Ashok) is a Physical Chemist specialising in Ultrasonics and Sonochemistry, with over 30 years of experience in the field. Since joining the University of Melbourne in 1996, he has held various leadership positions and made significant contributions to the institution’s global engagement, particularly in India. Ashok currently holds the positions, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor International (South Asia and Middle East) at the university of Melbourne and the Director of Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi. He has the responsibility for international strategy and relationships with India, South Asia and Middle East. His Responsibilities include partnering with government, industry, and the education sector, as well as implementing engagement plans for India, South Asia and Middle East across all Faculties and Chancellery. Prior to his current roles, he was Acting Director & CEO of the Australia India Institute, Head of School of Chemistry and Associate Dean International in the Faculty of Science. He has played a pivotal role in establishing several Transnational Education (TNE) and Transnational Research (TNR) programs that include Melbourne India Postgraduate Program, Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy, BSc Blended and BSc Advanced Hons (2+2 dual degree) involving partner institutions across India. He has served on several University of Melbourne management committees and scientific advisory boards of external scientific organisations. As a Professor in the School of Chemistry, Ashok has made major contributions to the Materials, Food and Dairy industries through his research in the field of Ultrasonics & Sonochemistry. He has received about $ 15 million research grants to support his research work that includes several industry projects. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (Elsevier, Journal Impact Factor 8.9), has published ~558 refereed papers (H-Index: 93) and was the President of the Asia Oceania Sonochemical Society. He has delivered over 260 invited/keynote/plenary lectures at international conferences and academic institutions.