University of Melbourne Appoints Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof. Atul Khosla as Honorary Enterprise Professor
Solan, Oct 14, KNT: In a prestigious global recognition of India’s emerging leadership in innovation-led education, Prof. Atul Khosla, Vice Chancellor of Shoolini University, has been appointed as an Honorary Enterprise Professor by the University of Melbourne, one of the world’s top 20 universities as ranked by QS.
The Honorary Enterprise Professorship is an exceptional distinction conferred upon visionary leaders who have made significant contributions at the intersection of academia, innovation, and enterprise. Prof. Khosla joins an elite global circle of thought leaders and entrepreneurs recognized by the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Science for advancing international collaboration and innovation-driven higher education.
Prof. Khosla, who transitioned from a successful corporate career to academia, has led Shoolini University to remarkable global prominence. Under his leadership, Shoolini has been ranked India’s No. 1 private university by Times Higher Education (2025) and is placed among the top 300 universities globally for research citations. The university’s model of combining research excellence, entrepreneurship, and social impact has earned it recognition as one of the most innovative institutions in the Global South.
Reacting to the honour, Prof. Khosla said, “This recognition by one of the world’s great universities reinforces our belief that Indian universities can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best globally. It also reflects the deepening collaboration between the Global North and South in building an inclusive and sustainable knowledge future.”
Prof. Khosla is also spearheading Daskalos, a pioneering initiative enabling top global universities such as the University of Bristol, York, Aberdeen, and Liverpool to establish campuses in India under the University Grants Commission’s new foreign universities framework.
The University of Melbourne’s decision to honour Prof. Khosla underscores his growing international reputation as one of India’s most forward-looking higher education leaders — one who blends academic rigour with entrepreneurial vision and social responsibility. With this appointment, he joins a distinguished cohort of Honorary Enterprise Professors that includes Greg Hunt, James P. Gorman AO, Russell Harrison, Dr. Carol Lakkis, and Stephen Duckett, all of whom have made transformative contributions in global business, policy, health, and academia.
These appointments are rare and reserved for individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional innovation and societal impact through academic–industry collaboration. Prof. Khosla’s inclusion, experts say, not only honours his leadership but also signals the growing global stature of India’s private higher education institutions.
About Shoolini University:
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University is a research-focused institution recognized for academic excellence and sustainability. The university has earned NAAC A+ accreditation, ranks among India’s Top 100 universities in NIRF 2025, and has been listed as India’s No. 1 Private University in both QS World University Rankings 2026 and THE World University Rankings 2025. With a 100% solar-powered campus, full water recycling, and a thriving research ecosystem, Shoolini continues to set benchmarks for responsible, innovation-driven higher education in India. [KNT]
