Bhubaneswar: Distinguished scientist Dr Ashok Kumar Das was today appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Utkal University.
Governor S C Jamir, who is the Chancellor of universities announced the appointment of Dr Das, who is presently working in Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as Head of the laser, and Plasma Technology division.
The post of vice-chancellor was lying vacant after the superannuation of Dr Prasant Kumar Sahu on May 1. The Search Committee formed by the Governor had shortlisted eight senior professors including Dr Das for the post.
The other names were, Prof Samson Maharana, Department of Commerce, Prof Satyaban Jena, Department of Chemistry, Prof Anup Das, department of Sociology, Prof Hemant Patra, department of Botany - all from Utkal University, Prof Simalchal Panigrahi of NIT, Rourkela, Prof Prakash Sarangi of Central University, Andhra Pradesh and Prof Amarendra Mishra, Department of Botany, Jharkhand University.