Professor Vikas Kumar is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Portsmouth, UK. He provides strategic leadership for the University's research and innovation agenda, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening research excellence, and enhancing partnerships with industry, government, and international stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions to global challenges.

Prior to joining the University of Portsmouth, Professor Kumar served as Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Birmingham City University and previously held the role of Director of Research and Scholarship at Bristol Business School, University of the West of England. He has also held academic and research positions in Ireland and Hong Kong. Professor Kumar earned his PhD in Management Studies from the University of Exeter and holds a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from NIAMT (Formerly NIFFT), Ranchi University, India.

An internationally recognized scholar, Professor Kumar's research focuses on sustainable and digital supply chains, circular economy, operations excellence, and supply chain resilience. He has authored more than 350 publications, including journal articles, conference papers, books, and book chapters, and his work has made a significant contribution to advancing sustainable business and operational practices. His research has been widely cited, earning him recognition among Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers and inclusion in Stanford University and Elsevier's Top 2% Scientists rankings.

Beyond his research, Professor Kumar actively contributes to the global academic community through editorial leadership, research collaboration, doctoral supervision, and engagement with industry. He is passionate about translating research into real-world impact and promoting innovation that supports economic growth, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.