Distinguished Odia scientist Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The renowned physicist, who is currently Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), was entrusted with the key responsibility after approval by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet.
Dr Mohanty will hold the post for a tenure up to the age of 66 years, i.e., till 10.10.2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Born in Odisha in 1959, Mohanty completed his graduation in 1979 with Honours in Physics from the MPC College, Baripada and post-graduation in 1981 from the Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. In 1983, he joined the Nuclear Physics Division, BARC after graduating from the 26th Batch of BARC Training School. He obtained his doctorate from the Mumbai University.
Mohanty has served the Indian Physics Association (IPA) as general secretary and later as its president. He has twice been the CERN Scientific Associate. He is a recipient of the Young Physicist Award from the Indian Physical Society, the Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Award and the Homi Bhaba Science and Technology Award of the Department of Atomic Energy. He was recently conferred Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the Utkal University.