Prof. Vijay Chandru, an eminent figure in academia and entrepreneurship, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This prestigious recognition underscores Chandru's remarkable contributions to computational mathematics, data science, and his relentless pursuit of leveraging technology for societal good.
With a PhD from MIT, Prof. Chandru has left an indelible mark on various domains, ranging from academia to entrepreneurship, and from research to public service. His academic journey includes tenured professorships at Purdue University and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where he imparted knowledge in computational mathematics to numerous students.
Beyond the confines of academia, Chandru's entrepreneurial endeavors have been equally groundbreaking. He served as the executive chairman of Strand Life Sciences, a pioneering precision medicine solutions company in India, for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, Strand Life Sciences spearheaded innovations in computational biology, addressing critical healthcare challenges and advancing precision medicine.
Chandru's commitment to bridging the digital divide led him to co-invent the Simputer, a handheld device aimed at making technology accessible to all. His visionary leadership extended to the biotechnology industry apex body of India, where he served as its leader from 2009 to 2012.
Moreover, Prof. Chandru's involvement in global health initiatives has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations such as the World Economic Forum, where he has been honored as a Technology Pioneer since 2006. He has also contributed significantly to shaping the future of health through his engagement with the Global Industry Advisory Council and the Lancet Citizens Commission.
Currently, Chandru's focus lies in harnessing technology for public good. As an executive advisor at the technology Innovation Hub ARTPark at IISc, he collaborates with stakeholders to develop digital public infrastructure for clinical health, one health, and climate resilience. His work with non-profits like the Centre for Health Education and Technology (CHET) and Open Platforms for Orphan Diseases (OPFORD) underscores his commitment to achieving universal healthcare and eliminating disease disparity in India by 2030.
The election of Prof. Vijay Chandru as a Fellow of the AAAS not only acknowledges his outstanding contributions to science and technology but also highlights his unwavering dedication to using his expertise for the betterment of society. His multidimensional approach, blending academia, entrepreneurship, and public service, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring innovators and scholars worldwide.
