Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 1: Sai University, Chennai, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to research, innovation, and transformative learning by appointing globally acclaimed scientist Prof. Ajith Abraham as its Vice Chancellor. Prof. Abraham, ranked consistently among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University and Elsevier for both career-long contributions and annual research achievements since the list was established, brings with him a wealth of global academic experience and research leadership that will further elevate Sai University’s stature on the world stage.
The Centrality of Research at Sai University
At Sai University, research is not an isolated pursuit but the very foundation of academic excellence. The University’s vision is “To be an internationally recognized University known for excellence in transformative liberal education, pioneering research, innovation, and ethical leadership, all while cultivating a deep commitment to social impact in a diverse and interconnected world.”
This vision drives Sai University to foster cutting-edge scholarship that transcends disciplinary boundaries. With interdisciplinary programs across eight schools: Artificial Intelligence, Law, Business, Media, Arts & Sciences, Technology, Computing & Data Science, and Allied Health Sciences — the University ensures that students and faculty collaborate on real-world problems, pioneering solutions that combine technological advancement with social responsibility.
Distinguished Faculty: The University’s Core Strength
Sai University’s greatest asset lies in the quality of its faculty. Nearly 70% of Sai University faculty members hold a Ph.D. and/or post-doctoral training from top universities outside India. With distinguished academics drawn from institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Monash, Warwick, and others, the University cultivates a truly global learning environment. This academic strength nurtures intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and experiential learning. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives and innovative teaching methods, preparing them to become industry-ready graduates with entrepreneurial mindsets.
A Global Campus with a Social Mission
Spread across a 103-acre vibrant campus in Chennai, Sai University is home to a thriving academic community guided by a board of eminent global leaders in business, academia, and government. The University emphasizes experiential learning, equipping students not just with degrees, but with the mindset and skills to make meaningful contributions in a complex and interconnected world. True to its ethos of social impact, through the Sri Sai Trust, the University extends its mission beyond academics by providing thousands of scholarships to first-generation graduates; supporting emergency medical care and delivering free meals to underserved communities across India.
This unique blend of world-class academics and deep social commitment makes Sai University an institution that not only produces graduates but also nurtures responsible leaders for society.
Prof. Ajith Abraham: A Scholar of Global Standing
The appointment of Prof. Abraham as Vice Chancellor marks a pivotal moment in Sai University’s journey toward becoming a global leader in research and education. He has contributed over 1,500+ research publications and books, many translated into multiple languages including Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. An H-index exceeding 122 and 67000+ citations, reflecting the far-reaching influence of his work. He was the Principal Investigator or co-investigator on projects amounting to over US$110+ million, funded by agencies across the United States, European Union, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, France, Norway, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, China, and Russia. Breakthrough research in medical image analysis, predictive modeling for neurological disorders, and explainable AI for biomarker discovery in cancer diagnosis. Co-founder of DetectIQ, an AI based oncology predictive analytics startup for detecting cancer outbreaks. Served as Chief Editor of Elsevier’s journal Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence and as Chair of the IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society Technical Committee on Soft Computing. His career exemplifies the seamless integration of pioneering research with academic leadership, making him uniquely positioned to guide Sai University into its next phase of growth.
Under Visionary Leadership
Under the guidance of its Honorable Chancellor, Shri K.V. Ramani, Sai University continues to uphold its values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative education. The Chancellor’s vision for creating a globally recognized institution aligns perfectly with Prof. Abraham’s expertise in fostering research ecosystems that address pressing societal challenges.
Together, their leadership ensures that Sai University will not only contribute to advancing knowledge but also translate research into tangible social and economic impact.
“I am honoured to lead Sai University at a time when research is central to the mission of higher education. With a committed faculty, students, and global partnerships, we shall strive for excellence, innovation and impact,” said Prof. Ajith Abraham, Vice Chancellor, Sai University.
About Sai University
Sai University is a next-generation private university in Chennai, India, offering interdisciplinary programs across eight schools. With an excellent faculty, a global outlook, and a deep commitment to social impact, Sai University is building a transformative model of higher education for the 21st century.
Media Contact
Sai University, One Hub Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Paiyanur, Tamil Nadu, Chennai – 603104
Email: comms@saiuniversity.edu.in
Phone: 044 7143 7200
Website: https://www.saiuniversity.edu.in/