Former DRDO Chairman Satheesh Reddy joins IIT Hyderabad as honourary advisor for R&D

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has appointed Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Chairman and leading defence scientist, as honorary advisor (R&D). His role will focus on advancing multidisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and innovation aligned with national priorities.

Sangareddy: The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has appointed Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of DRDO and former Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development as honourary advisor (R&D) of IITH. The appointment is expected to strengthen the institute’s research ecosystem and advance high-impact, mission-driven innovation.

Dr. Satheesh Reddy, one of India’s foremost scientific leaders in defence and aerospace technologies, has served as scientific adviser to the Union Minister of Defense, and as Member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). He is currently serving as honorary adviser (aerospace and defence manufacturing) with cabinet rank to the government of Andhra Pradesh, and also the incumbent president of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI).

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In his role as Advisor to IITH, Dr Reddy will facilitate the development of multi-institutional and multidisciplinary R&D programmes, aligned with national priorities, while also strengthening industry collaboration and translational research at the institute.

His mentorship is expected to play a key role in shaping strategic research directions, fostering innovation, and accelerating India’s journey towards technological self-reliance.

Responding after his appointment Dr Reddy said he was extremely happy and honoured to be the honorary advisor of IITH. He said that he is glad to be part of the advanced research activities of R&D ecosystem at IITH and looking forward to working with the premier institute. Together, he said they will push the frontiers of R&D for a strong Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Director of IITH Prof BS Murty said Dr Reddy’s unparalleled contributions to India’s defence and aerospace sectors, along with his visionary leadership in national R&D, make his association with the institute immensely valuable.

The Director said his contribution will be instrumental in enabling large-scale, mission-driven research, strengthening the institute’s industry partnerships, and advancing translational research aligned with national priorities.