Kathmandu University appoints alumnus Bivek Baral as vice-chancellor

Kathmandu University has appointed Professor Bivek Baral as its new vice-chancellor, a historic move as he is the first alumnus to hold the top academic post. Prime Minister and university Chancellor Balendra Shah made the appointment on Friday.

Baral's selection followed a rigorous process where a committee led by Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel reviewed 35 applications. Ten candidates were shortlisted, and after evaluating their plans and visions, three were recommended for the position. Professor Bal Chandra Luintel and Rajendra Joshi were the other two recommended candidates.

This appointment comes after the previous vice-chancellor, Achyut Wagle, was removed from office. Baral, who studied mechanical engineering at Kathmandu University in 1999, brings a wealth of experience. He holds a master's degree from the University of Tokyo and a PhD from the University of Auckland. His career includes teaching at KU's School of Engineering, where he joined as an assistant professor in 2004 and became a professor in 2018. His research interests lie in fuel, energy, and environmental pollution.