A distinguished researcher and educator, Dr. Arun Anand has guided PhD scholars and contributed to industrial and healthcare applications. As Director of the Research and Development Cell of a university, he promotes collaboration and research-based skill development among students.

Dr. Arun Anand is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Director of the Research and Development Cell in Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar in Anand, Gujarat.

Dr. Anand shares that the department was a renowned centre for Crystal Growth research until the mid-1990s and continues to maintain a strong research profile.

The faculty members in the department actively engage in research in diverse areas such as Condensed Matter Physics, Semiconductor Thin Films, and Optics, while Dr. Anand himself specialises in the field of Optics.

He mentions that his research scholars work under his guidance in various fields, reflecting the department's multidisciplinary approach. The university provides robust support to these scholars, enabling them to pursue advanced research in their respective domains.

Elaborating on his area of research, Dr. Arun Anand states that he specialises in Optics, with a particular focus on Optical Physics. His work primarily revolves around Biomedical Optics, where he develops instruments designed for biomedical applications. He mentions creating field-portable microscopes and holographic microscopes, which are advanced 3D microscopes used for cell classification and disease diagnosis.

Dr. Arun Anand shares that he has guided four research scholars to the completion of their research and currently supervises seven PhD students, three of whom are associated with prestigious institutions such as the IITs and NITs. His scholars primarily work in areas such as Holographic Imaging, Phase Machine Deflectometry, and Laser Speckles, which have significant applications in both industrial and healthcare domains.

In addition to his role as a professor, Dr. Anand serves as the Director of the Research and Development Cell at the university. He explains that the cell is dedicated to enhancing the research ecosystem of the university. Its primary objectives include developing research-focused skills among students and the faculty members, encouraging internships, promoting the submission of research projects, and facilitating various research initiatives.

Dr. Anand highlights the annual Research Scholars' Meet organised by the cell as one of its key activities. This December, the university hosted the third edition of the meet, which took the form of a national conference. The event attracted over 500 research scholars from across India, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

With these efforts, Dr. Anand actively contributes to fostering a robust research culture at the university, aiming to elevate its academic and research standards further.

Talking about his early years, Dr. Arun Anand shares that he was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he lived until completing his bachelor’s degree. In 1993, he moved to Sardar Patel University to pursue his postgraduate studies. After earning his post-graduation degree there, he completed his PhD from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Anand worked as a scientist at the Institute for Plasma Research, Ahmedabad from 2002 to 2008. During that time, he also undertook a post-doctoral research fellowship from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, from 2006 to 2007. In 2008, he joined MS University as an Assistant Professor, later advancing to the role of Associate Professor. In 2022, he transitioned back to Sardar Patel University, where he continues to contribute to both teaching and research.

Dr. Arun Anand expresses that research is more than just work for him—it is a passion. He believes that research begins as a source of personal joy and fulfillment and only later translates into something that can benefit the nation or society.

He emphasises that one of the most critical aspects of research in the modern era is collaboration and networking. Dr. Anand highlights the role of the Research and Development Cell at Sardar Patel University in fostering these connections, not only among faculty members but also among students. He explains that collaboration involves engaging with research scholars and experienced researchers worldwide, enabling the exchange of ideas and expertise. This process, he says, enhances the visibility and accessibility of one’s research, making it impactful on a global scale.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Arun Anand reflects on the influence of his father, whom he considers his greatest role model. He shares that, despite being the principal of a college, his father never asked about his academic percentages throughout his schooling and higher education. He also never accompanied him to any educational institution for admissions, instilling in him a sense of independence and self-reliance.

Dr. Anand mentions that he follows the same approach with his own daughter, never inquiring about her academic percentages, thereby encouraging her to focus on learning for its own sake. He emphasises that his father’s principles continue to inspire him, making his father not only the best role model of Dr. Anand’s past but also of his present.

Dr. Arun Anand reflects fondly on his postdoctoral research, describing it as one of the most cherished experiences of his academic journey. He emphasises that this period was not merely a milestone in his career but a transformative phase that left a lasting impact. He credits that time for significantly shaping his understanding of optics, stating that he learned the most about the field during his postdoctoral work.

He speaks with enthusiasm about the environment in the lab, which he found to be exceptionally conducive to learning and exploration.

He cherishes those memories and acknowledges them as a cornerstone of his journey as a researcher and academic.