Prof. Babu carries an exemplary record of impactful leadership and profound knowledge in educational administration and policy formulation. His transformative tenure as the Director of the Madras Institute of Development Studies was marked by a commitment to rigorous academic standards and visionary leadership.

Previously holding the prestigious Adam Smith Chair Professorship in Philosophy and Economics at the University of Bayreuth in Germany, Prof. Babu's global influence is underscored by invitations to teach at renowned institutions such as Yale University, the University of Hamburg, and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.

Acknowledged for his outstanding work on climate change decision-making frameworks, Professor Babu received a citation from the Honorable Prime Minister of India as part of the Nobel Memorial Prize-recognized IPCC working group. His expertise extends beyond academia into impactful policy-making, with engagements in prestigious public institutions such as the Senate of IIT Bombay and the Board of Governors of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) Delhi.

As a pivotal figure in advancing frontier research, Professor Babu is the Managing Editor of the Journal of Quantitative Economics, published by Springer Nature. His commitment is further demonstrated in roles such as a member of the Board of Governors at the Institute of Economic Growth Delhi and Editor-in-Chief of the Review of Development and Change.

With 30 years of dedicated service at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Mumbai, an institution established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Professor Babu's leadership promises to elevate Vidyashilp University to new heights. His wealth of experience, commitment to academic excellence, and impactful contributions to research make him a driving force in shaping our University’s future.