Meet Professor Virinder Kalra, our new Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (South and Central Asia, Middle East)
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Virinder Kalra as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (South and Central Asia, Middle East), effective 1st October 2025.
In this strategic role, Virinder will lead the development and expansion of Warwick’s international relationships across South and Central Asia, as well as the Middle East. His work will be particularly focused on strengthening our long-standing ties with South Asia, most notably India, by cultivating key partnerships with leading universities and ensuring Warwick’s reputation for excellence continues to thrive across the region.
Virinder told us: "I’m honoured to take on this role and excited to build on Warwick’s strong foundations in South and Central Asia, as well as the Middle East. These regions are rich in academic excellence and cultural diversity, and I look forward to deepening our partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration that reflect our shared values and global ambitions."
Virinder brings a wealth of academic and international experience to the role. As a Professor of Sociology, his research explores music, religion, and social movements in South Asia, and he has published widely in these areas. His deep understanding of the region and its cultural dynamics will be instrumental in shaping Warwick’s global engagement strategy.
Professor Michael Scott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) commented:
"I am very pleased to welcome Professor Virinder Kalra to the role of Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for South and Central Asia, and the Middle East. His distinguished academic background and deep-rooted engagement with the region will be invaluable as we continue to grow Warwick’s international engagement across education and research. I have every confidence that Virinder will bring both strategic insight and cultural understanding to this important role and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to strengthen Warwick’s global community, opportunities, partnerships and impact."