Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya is the In-Charge Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, and a distinguished scholar in English language studies, cultural theory, and technology-enabled pedagogy. With over two decades of academic experience, he has contributed extensively to the fields of literary studies, digital learning, and the cultural history of science fiction. Before assuming the role of I/C Vice Chancellor, he served as Professor and Head at the Department of English Studies, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, where he has been a key academic leader since 2012.
Prof. Bhattacharya earned his Ph.D. in English from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, one of India’s foremost institutions, where he developed a strong foundation in literary theory and interdisciplinary humanities research. His scholarly contributions span English language pedagogy, ICT-based learning, speculative fiction, and the cultural imaginaries of colonial and postcolonial South Asia. He has published widely on these themes, including notable works on historical and cultural dimensions of Bengali science fiction, the narrative ethics of young-adult speculative fiction, and the pedagogical impact of digital technologies.
His Google Scholar record reflects a growing and impactful body of research across language studies, cultural studies, and educational technology. Prof. Bhattacharya has also received prestigious international recognitions, including the IATEFL Ray Tongue Scholarship and the British Council–Hornby Trust Scholarship, acknowledging his innovations at the intersection of language teaching and technology.
Prof. Bhattacharya has successfully led research projects supported by national and international agencies. Among these is a major British Council–supported project that examined how mobile technologies influence English language learning practices in rural Gujarat, highlighting his commitment to socially meaningful, field-based research. His academic engagements extend to international collaborations, conference presentations, and community-oriented literacy initiatives. He is currently working on a project on the history of English language textbooks in colonial India supported by the Hornby Trust, UK.
As the In-Charge Vice Chancellor of Central University of Gujarat, Prof. Bhattacharya is steering the institution towards academic excellence, interdisciplinary growth, and global engagement. His vision emphasizes strengthening research ecosystems, enhancing pedagogic innovation, and nurturing a university environment grounded in critical inquiry, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Under his leadership, CUG hopes to continue to expand its intellectual footprint while aligning with the transformative goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Prof. Bhattacharya remains deeply committed to fostering a vibrant academic community where rigorous scholarship, ethical values, and innovative pedagogy come together to shape future-ready learners and researchers.