Professor (Dr.) Meenakshi Goyal is discharging the responsibilities of Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University since 29th July 2026. Prior to this, she has held several key positions at Panjab University, including Dean of University Instruction, Director of the Research & Development Cell, Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Chief Librarian (Additional Charge) of A.C. Joshi Library, Chairperson of Dr. S. S. Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (Dr. SSBUICET), Honorary Director of the Energy Research Centre, and Coordinator, TEQIP-II project MHRD, Govt. of India. With a teaching and research experience of more than 34 years, Professor Meenakshi Goyal holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology (Chemical Engineering) in the area of Science & Technology of Carbon from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has an outstanding academic record, having earned her B.E. (Chemical Engg.) with Honours from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has successfully guided 11 Ph.D. scholars and has more than 100 research and international conference publications to her credit. Her exemplary leadership has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Vidya Shiromani Award in 2015, Global Faculty Award, 2021 and the Golden Aim Award for Iconic Education Leader in 2022. Under her Chairpersonship, Dr. SSBUICET was ranked 100th among engineering institutes by NIRF in 2016 and was awarded Best Engineering Institute (North) by ABP for two consecutive years, 2015 & 2016.

Professor Meenakshi Goyal has significant experience in conceiving projects for arranging grants from various agencies. She spearheaded the World Bank-funded Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP-II), by MHRD, securing a grant of Rs.10 crore for Dr. SSB UICET for sub-component 1.1 i.e. "Strengthening institutions to improve learning outcomes and employability of Graduates". She successfully managed the UGC-SAP (Special Assistance Programme) and DST-PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) grants, providing crucial infrastructure and research support to the institute and university. She has also received individual project grants of more than 51 lakhs for Dr. SSBUICET. Professor Meenakshi Goyal was instrumental in signing various MoUs on behalf of Panjab University with different organisations as Director, Research and Development Cell, Panjab University.

Professor Meenakshi Goyal is the Principal Investigator of several projects dealing with "Development of Newer Carbon Materials for Adsorptive Removal of Organics & Inorganics from Waste Water" and "Design parameters and theoretical models for the adsorptive removal of toxic chemical compounds from water using fixed bed activated carbon columns". The objective of these projects was to design efficient and cost-effective methods for water and air purification using advanced activated carbons, addressing critical environmental challenges.

Professor Meenakshi Goyal has spearheaded several key initiatives in Panjab University, leveraging her extensive administrative and academic expertise.

• Chief Librarian (Additional Charge), A.C.Joshi Library, Panjab University:
  Professor Meenakshi Goyal during her term as Chief librarian acted as both an academic strategist and an executive administrator to align the library with institutional goals & maximizing value for students, faculty, and the community. Promoted the modernization and strengthening of digital systems within the library. Encouraged the effective utilization of subscribed e resources across various university departments. Provided Research Support Services by Collaborating with faculty to integrate information literacy into curriculum designs, supporting advanced scholarly research Maintained and advocated for rigorous academic publishing standards across departments. Spearheaded a 5-day National Capacity Building Programme (CBP-NML) hosted by the A. C. Joshi Library focusing on empowering public library personnel nationwide by enhancing their operational and administrative skills in collaboration with prominent national body Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. Orchestrated an in depth training session for Turnitin Plagiarism Software to improve the quality of research among faculty members and research scholars by giving them a clear understanding of plagiarism & to urge all the Faculty, Researchers & students to make efficient use of Turnitin, adapting to the evolving academic landscape by acquiring new skill sets.
   
• National Education Policy (NEP) Alignment & Events:
  NEP Implementation Strategies: Professor Meenakshi Goyal facilitated institutional alignment to integrate National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 frameworks focusing on multidisciplinary research and structural capacity building. Higher Education Conferences: Promoted collaborative academic events and leadership workshops at the campus emphasizing strategic transitions in governance, research-driven curricula, and technological integrations as envisioned by NEP 2020.
   
• Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Facility:
  Professor Meenakshi Goyal, in her capacity as the Vice-Chancellor's nominee, has played a pivotal role in the relocation and operationalisation of the Centre for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (CSDE) at its new facility in CALEM, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh. She served on the Executive Committee constituted to facilitate approvals for the procurement of goods and equipment under RUSA 2.0 for the New Centre for Skill Development and the Soft Skills (Communication) Lab. Her proactive involvement enabled timely administrative decisions, streamlined the transition, and helped establish the infrastructure required to expand the Centre's skill-development activities.
   
• Director Research and Development Cell:
  Professor Meenakshi Goyal spearheaded several key initiatives to advance institutional innovation, interdisciplinary research, and entrepreneurial growth at Panjab University. Notably, she served as the Scheme In-charge to secure the Panjab University's recognition as a Lead Knowledge Institute under a NITI Aayog project for the Chandigarh Administration. She successfully directed five comprehensive projects spanning Tourism, Healthcare, Startup Promotion, Environment, and Skill Development.
  
  The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA 2.0) grant was effectively utilized to setting up of Panjab University Incubation Center (PUIC), 5 Pre-Incubation Centers and various skill development centers. RUSA grant was instrumental to strengthen library resources by procuring new books and journals, and to acquire advanced teaching aids. Additionally, a Cyber Security Laboratory was established to support cutting-edge research and skill development. As part of the engineering incubation efforts, a PCB Fabrication Laboratory was also set up to foster innovation and hands-on learning. RUSA 2.0 grant was also utilized to upgradation of the university's Computer Centre and computational facilities. A major highlight of this phase was the establishment of a Solar Park, achieved by installing solar panels on the buildings of two key departments—UIET and Dental Institute. Furthermore, MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) labs were established to benefit both students and faculty. These labs will enable the creation of high-quality online content, which will be uploaded to the SWAYAM portal, aligning with national digital education goals. Funds were directed toward upgrading the Skill Development Centre and acquiring sophisticated instruments for the Central Instrumentation Research Facility. Under Promotion of Science and entrepreneurship various seminar, workshop and faculty development programs were organized. Facilities procured under RUSA 2.0 will serve not only the university community but also affiliated colleges across Chandigarh. Throughout the implementation of these initiatives, the primary focus remained on Innovation, entrepreneurship, employability and supporting placement opportunities to the students and researchers. Successful Implementation of RUSA 2.0 grant has enabled Panjab University to receive a grant of nearly 18 Cr for the month of August (2026), which has accelerated Research and entrepreneurship of the institution.
  
  To promote AI in Panjab University, Professor Goyal facilitated establishment of AI Data Centre at the Design Innovation Centre, UIET, funded via a CSR grant from the Vardhman Group. Additionally, she facilitated advanced academic scholarships by aiding to secure two prestigious Ph.D. fellowships under the India AI Mission.
  
  Professor Goyal also spearheaded and coordinated the prestigious Curtain Raiser Ceremony for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 at Panjab University in November 2025, promoting science communication and innovation.
  
  Signing of various MoUs on behalf of Panjab University with different organisations and institutes within India and abroad.
   
• Dean of University Instruction:
  Professor Meenakshi Goyal as Dean of University Instruction, Panjab University, Chandigarh, has actively contributed to the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by taking institutional measures to strengthen awareness, participation and collective responsibility towards creating a drug-free campus and society. Professor Goyal initiated a University-wide appeal encouraging students, faculty members, officers and staff of the University Teaching Departments, Institutes, Colleges, Regional Centres and Administrative Branches to take the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge and participate in the national campaign. She also facilitated the appointment of faculty member as Nasha Mukt Bharat Coordinator to provide focused institutional coordination and sustain activities under the campaign. Further, Professor Goyal ensured that the initiative reached different sections of the University community through the Directors/Chairpersons/Coordinators of Departments and Centres, the Registrar, the Dean College Development Council and the Dean Student Welfare. Through these efforts, Professor Meenakshi Goyal has transformed the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan from a symbolic campaign into a collective institutional commitment towards drug prevention, awareness, responsible citizenship and a healthier, safer and drug-free University environment.