Prof. M. Sai Baba is an Outstanding Scientist and formerly Director, Resources Management Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam and Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Dean (Student Affairs) and Coordinating Dean of HBNI at IGCAR.
Prior to joining Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Sai Baba was holding the position of “TV Raman Pai Chair Professor” at National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru and working in the domains of Science Communication and Risk Communication, Human Reliability Program and Understanding Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems for applying them for the holistic development of youth.
His work at NIAS includes, (i) obtaining effective and informative insights on managing public perceptions and public acceptance of public risks associated with new and emerging technologies, through science and technology communications. Developing platforms for enhancing interaction between scientists and the public using conventional and nonconventional media of communication. One of the domains he has studied is Artificial Intelligence. (ii) Methodologies used for human reliability analysis, identify good practices in safety and security for Human Reliability Programme and find commonality across the industries. (iii) Identify and/or develop a methodology with a potential of large-scale implementation at educational institutes, for the holistic development of youth and develop a policy document for nation-wide implementation.
Prof Sai Baba carried out postdoctoral work at Texas A&M University, USA and at Research Centre, Julich, Germany. He has worked as Guest Scientist at Nuclear Research Centre, Julich, Germany.
Prof Sai Baba has made significant contributions for the implementation of several high impact activities of relevance to IGCAR and DAE and contributed towards institution building and academic management. Contributed to diverse domains which included: Human Resource Development, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Access to Scientific Information Resources, Financial Management, Workflow automation to aid to move towards a paperless office, Technology Transfer, and Intellectual Property Rights. He has displayed commendable leadership in providing access to Scientific Information Resources with considerable ease, catering to the varied needs of researchers and a large community of students.
He is a member of committees constituted by DST and UGC. He has co-authored several publications and contributed to chapters in books besides editing seven books and periodicals. Delivered more than 150 invited talks. He was conferred Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Dr MGR University, Education and Research Institute, Chennai.