Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Pro VC: Dr. Jonathan A. Lal Interview

Dr. Jonathan A. Lal has been working as the Pro Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, he holds positions like Dean of Jacob Institute of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Biotechnology Professor and Chairman of Institutional Animal Research Committee at SHUATS.

His expertise areas are Entrepreneurship, Valorization, Management, Financial Administration, Negotiations, Contracts, Spin-Offs, Acquisitions, Business Development, Health Policy, Personalized Medicine, Public Health Genomics, Biotech, Proteomics, Molecular Biology, Grant Writing, Teaching and Research. As part of his education, he has done B.Tech in Biotechnology from Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University, Masters in Life Science & Technology with a specialization in Cell Diagnostics (TU Delft), Professional Doctorate in Engineering in Bioproduct Design (TU Delft) and PhD in Public Health Genomics (UM).

Before this, he has worked as the Director of Innovation, Projects & Consultancy and Auxiliary Units at SHUATS. He is also the Visiting Professor at the Institute for Public Health Genomics of Maastricht University-Netherlands, editor of 2 prestigious journals and an integral part of various expert committees. In earlier years of his professional life, he was associated with Netherlands based Pharmaceutical Company called ptTheragnostic B.V. as Chief Scientific Officer, Director - Health Innovation Ventures BV and CEO. At the same time, he worked as a Researcher in the Department of Radiotherapy at Maastricht University, as CSO with a Dutch Cancer Research Hospital called Maastro Clinic, as a Researcher at the Institute for Public Health Genomics at UM, as a Project Manager with ERA-NET ERAfrica project 'InnXchange' and EU DG SANCO Public Health Genomics European Network & as a B-Team Member for the EU pilot flagship project IT Future of Medicine. In addition, he had briefly worked as a research advisor for the European Alliance for Personalized Medicine and as a Bio Product Designer at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) of Netherlands.

What are the key factors that keep you connected to the education sector?

The prime factor which fuels my passion for teaching the youths of our society is the dynamic nature of the education sector which is a universe of endless opportunities in itself. And the moment of realization in students' eyes that marks a breakthrough is simply beyond words for us as educators, and being part of their journey toward growth and discovery also gives me immense happiness and satisfaction.

In addition to this, being in the academic world, we have to constantly adapt new and innovative teaching methodologies and explore emerging technologies to deliver best quality knowledge to students. Hence I would say that the ever-evolving nature of education and the contribution we as teachers make to shape the minds of the future generation are other driving forces that keeps me engaged here.

Being the Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean at SHUATS, what is your philosophy of leadership?

My philosophy of leadership revolves around empowerment, empathy, and vision. And I strongly believe that a leader's primary role isn't just about giving directions but empowering people through creation of an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to give their best.

Furthermore, a leader should embody a clear and compelling vision that provides direction and purpose and inspire others to rally around it. A good leader is also adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

In your experience, how studying at SHUATS would be beneficial for ambitious students?

When students come to our college, they step into a vibrant tapestry of cultures and ideas. In other words, SHUATS is a melting pot where diverse backgrounds blend into a beautiful mix of traditions and languages. So opportunities are there for ambitious youths to not only learn from books, but from peers too. Apart from this, joining us to pursue their dream courses will allow students to go beyond comfort zones, embrace fresh ways of learning, and leave with a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. 

How does the curriculum of your University ensure the best practices of industry?

The curriculum of our university has been developed after rigorous analysis of industrial trends, development and demands, so that gaps between students' skills and the evolving market can be bridged in time and with required programs.

Apart from this, special emphasis is given on enhancing the practical exposure of students and we even have dedicated training programs to nurture students' soft communication skills, problem-solving competencies and adaptability. In other terms, we aim for graduates who aren't just academically adept but also ready to confidently tackle the professional world.

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Any suggestions which you would like to give to the current youths and aspiring students?

I would like to advise my dear students and youths of our society to explore their passion fearlessly, because sometimes it's in the unluckiest places where people discover their true calling. Also, if required, take the leap and try new things as research is the best way to learn and grow. Additionally, embrace failures as every setback is a lesson in disguise and a stepping stones to success. So, learn, grow, and keep moving forward and also keep that curiosity alive in you. Lastly, believe in yourself, your instincts and abilities as sometimes the biggest challenge is overcoming self-doubt. 

What do you see as your University’s greatest strength?

The main pillar of our university strength is our dynamic curriculum as we actively involve industry experts in shaping our courses to ensure their relevance and alignment with corporate needs. This collaboration also keeps us updated with the latest trends and technologies demanded by various sectors. We have also adopted a blend of various teaching methodologies combined with case studies, practical applications, internships, and industry projects. This hands-on experience gives our students a head start even before they step into the professional world.

How is your university more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

As for our university, giving an inclusive environment to students is a priority, therefore, we have taken several measures. First and foremost, in order to make all opportunities available to all, we provide financial support to underprivileged and needy students and also have various aid programs for them. Apart from this, we regularly celebrate the diversity of our students and teachers through various events and by distributing rewards to them when they achieve a milestone. This practice in return enriches the educational experience and creates role models for students.