A. P. Dash

Professor A. P. Dash has significantly contributed in the field of Malaria and vector borne diseases (VBDs) in developing various tools / technologies / strategies in VBDs. As a field biologist he worked amongst tribals in remote areas like in remote areas of Orissa / Bihar border complex in India for over 5 years. It was a humbling phase to understand the real problems of rural India – this experience has been a source of strength and inspiration in his contributions to evolve improved health policy at global, regional and national levels in later years. With this background he started his career as a Scientist in the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and ultimately assumed the Directorship of the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), under Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. He was the founder Director of this institute establishing it as a premier institute in biology and academics. His five years of stay led to unprecedented progress of the institute. The momentous occasion was when the then Prime Minister of India dedicated the Institute to the nation during the last part of his tenure there on 15th July 2003. After this successful tenure he resumed the Directorship of the Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals at Jabalpur. He made many tremendous successful efforts in unserved tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh in India arranging work elements deep into Naxal terror affected areas. He assumed the Directorship of the prestigious National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi which had 12 field stations all over the country with a huge staff strength. He was responsible for total reorganization and effectively demonstrated malaria control in many areas, developed new tools / products and transferred them to the national disease control programmes. He gave tremendous insight into bio -environmental control and desert malaria. He has significantly contributed in transmission biology of VBDs. His contribution in biology, genetics and control of vectors made an international impact. While working as a scientist and Director in India, he served the British Council and World Health Organisation (WHO) as an international expert in malaria. During the tenure as a Director at different institutes for more than 11 years, he created a brand name for the institutes; nurtured and provided opportunities for a new group of academicians who excel in innovation and research; creating students who are valued not only in the country but internationally. After working in research for more than 35 years at the Institute of Life Sciences and Indian Council of Medical Research, he joined the South East Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organisation as Regional Adviser and spear headed the programmes on Vector Borne Diseases, climate change and research on tropical diseases etc. at the international level. Developed several technical strategies and guidelines followed by countries in South East Asia. Dr Dash was pioneer in strengthening and establishing research and academic capacities; and networking of centres of excellence in many countries in South East Asia Region. After retiring from the World Health Organisation, DR Dash joined the Central University of Tamil Nadu as VICE CHANCELLOR on 6th August 215 and continued there till the end of his term on 5th August 2020. After handing over the charge of Central University of Tamil Nadu, Dr Dash joined as the VICE CHANCELLOR of the Asian Institute of Public Health University, Bhubaneswar on 1st September 2020, where he is continuing till now. Recognising his outstanding contributions to Science, the Government of India recommended him for the high Civilian award, PADMASHREE in Science and Engineering and the Ho'ble President of India honoured him with PADMASHREE award on 21st March 2022. He is among very few Indians who got this honour in Science and Engineering.