Dr. A. Biju Kumar
Dr. A. Biju Kumar currently serves as the Vice Chancellor in charge of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). He brings with him a distinguished academic and research career, and also officiating as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries at the University of Kerala.
Recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists in the field of zoology/marine biology by the 2024 Stanford-Elsevier global ranking, Dr. Kumar has over 30 years of experience in teaching and research spanning fisheries and ocean sciences. His expertise includes marine biodiversity, fisheries management, taxonomy, marine pollution (including marine litter and microplastics), aquatic ecology, climate change impacts on biodiversity, and invasion biology.
Dr. Kumar holds a BSc in Zoology and an MSc (First Rank), MPhil, and PhD in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries—all from the University of Kerala. He has received advanced training in taxonomy and DNA barcoding from international institutions such as the Czech Academy of Sciences, Mexican Academy of Sciences, University of Adelaide (Australia), and University of Guelph (Canada), as well as training in marine monitoring from the University of Oviedo (Spain) and the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation (Greece).
His contributions to science and education have earned him numerous accolades, including the Young Scientist Award from the Government of Kerala and the Indian Academy of Environmental Sciences, the Good Service Entry from the Kerala State Committee on Science, Technology and Environment (STEC), and the Padmasree Prof. N.B. Nair Environmental Excellence Award. At the University of Kerala, he was also recognized with the Highest Research Grant Award and the Academic Excellence Award.
A passionate field biologist and mentor, Dr. Kumar has led extensive documentation of aquatic biodiversity, resulting in the discovery of a new family of parasitic copepod, eight new genera, and over 55 new species, three of which have been named in his honor: Thyonina bijui (sea cucumber), Leptarma biju (mangrove crab), and Renocila bijui (parasitic isopod).
He has held key leadership roles including Director of Research at the University of Kerala, Scientific Officer at STEC, and Principal Scientific Officer and Member Secretary (in-charge) at the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. He also serves as a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Dr. Kumar has published more than 250 research papers and 26 books, and has supervised around 20 Ph.D. students. He is a strong advocate for science communication, environmental education, and ocean literacy.
As Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kumar envisions KUFOS as a premier and model institution for fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean sciences in India. He aims to advance excellence in education, research, and innovation aligned with state and national priorities. With a focus on the Blue Economy and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), his vision includes positioning KUFOS at the forefront of sustainable development through global collaboration and community-based approaches to fisheries management and climate adaptation.