The Queen Confers Regius Professorship on Indian-Origin Professor

Lord Kumar Bhattacharya is a professor at University of Warwick, and has advised previous British Prime Ministers.

Britain’s Royal Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo: AP)

Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, eminent Indian-origin professor, was awarded the prestigious Regius Professorship in Manufacturing by Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding contribution to the field. Bhattacharyya is founder of the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick.

Through his career, he has advised the UK government on manufacturing, innovation, and technology, including former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

Having founded WMG in 1980 to invigorate UK manufacturing, it is a wonderful honour to be bestowed upon the Group. I started with a desk, chair and a secretary. We are now internationally-acclaimed and the largest centre for manufacturing in the world. 

Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, Founder of WMG.

The creation of Regius Professorships falls under the Royal Prerogative, with each appointment being approved by the Queen upon Ministerial advice.

Working with global companies on collaborative research and development, WMG has enabled those companies who want to innovate to develop ground-breaking products which have had a real impact on society and the economy.

Bhattacharyya, who is an IIT-Kharagpur alumnus, said it was always his aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and to encourage companies to think long-term by investing in skills, research, and development.

We have ambitious plans for our future, especially with the National Automotive Innovation Centre, which will provide the next generation of skills and research for the automotive sector, and will formally open late 2017.

Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya

(With inputs from PTI)