New Professor aims to inspire next generation of research scholars

A newly-appointed Professor at the University of Wolverhampton is aiming to use his academic and research experiences to inspire the next generation of researchers.  

Professor Suresh Renukappa has been appointed Professor of Sustainable Smart Innovation following an intense conferment process. Suresh is the first from his family to become a Professor.  

His career has been shaped by a blend of academic and industrial experiences. Suresh gained admission into a postgraduate research programme at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, a globally recognised research-intensive institution supported by a National Scholarship Award.  

During this time, he was able to introduce Mathematical Modelling, Fuzzy Logic, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Supercomputing to interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, technology, management and sustainability. This exposure allowed him to develop a multi-objective management model, integrating uncertainty caused by randomness and fuzziness using AI. 

Having gained experience in both the research and commercial sectors, this has paved the way for Suresh’s academic career progression, starting out as a Postdoctoral Researcher to Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and now Professor.   

Throughout his career, Suresh has successfully led on more than 40 projects and authored 280 publications, including journals, book chapters, policy impact reports, and conference proceedings. He has also delivered keynote speeches on national and international platforms on net-zero, decarbonisation, smart cities, sustainable innovation, AI for social good and resilient business models.  

On becoming a Professor, Suresh said: “It feels amazing. Being a first-generation researcher in my family is a moment of great joy, honour and fulfilment. It’s a reflection of more than 25 years of perseverance, resilience, dedication to research, consulting, teaching and mentorship as well as contributions to creating new knowledge.  

“With the title, there is a deep sense of responsibility. Therefore, I need to reflect and work on the developmental plan to inspire current and future generations through advancing knowledge in sustainable smart innovation for the health and wellbeing of humanity to guide the next generation of research scholars. 

“The conferment process was rigorous and nerve-racking. It thoroughly evaluated my academic contributions, research impact, teaching excellence and sustained leadership within sustainable smart innovation. Peer reviews, committee assessments and multiple levels of reviews made it a challenging yet rewarding journey.”  

Reflecting on his time at the University of Wolverhampton so far, Suresh added: “My time at the University has been a truly transformative experience. The institution has provided a supportive environment that has encouraged my academic and personal development, offering numerous opportunities for research, collaboration and professional growth.  

“Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues, engage with a diversity of students and contribute to impactful research projects. I am excited to continue to contribute to the University of Wolverhampton's Strategy 2035 of ‘Creating Opportunity, Transforming Futures.’” 

Anyone wanting to study at the University should check out the website for our range of courses or visit us at one of our forthcoming Open Days.