Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry

Introduction: The Architect of Modern Mauritian Higher Education

Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Academia & Research in the Indian Ocean region. As the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Mauritius since 2015, he has been the principal architect steering the nation's premier tertiary institution towards greater innovation, relevance, and global recognition. Born in 1960, Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry is not only a distinguished administrator but also an internationally recognized scientist in the field of Chemistry, with a prolific research portfolio in biomaterials and nanotechnology. His career embodies a unique fusion of deep scientific expertise and transformative leadership, making him instrumental in shaping the future of education and research in Mauritius. His key achievement lies in repositioning the University of Mauritius as a research-intensive university, actively contributing to the nation's socio-economic development through knowledge creation and strategic partnerships.

Early Life & Education: Forging a Scientific Mind

The foundations of Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry's remarkable career were laid in his formative years in Mauritius. Demonstrating an early aptitude for the sciences, he pursued his secondary education with a focus on chemistry and mathematics. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship from the French government, a pivotal opportunity that set him on an international path. He left Mauritius to undertake higher studies in France, a move that would define his scientific outlook.

Prof. Jhurry earned his Master’s degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Paris VI (Pierre and Marie Curie University). He then continued his doctoral studies at the same prestigious institution, culminating in a PhD in Polymer Chemistry in 1990. His doctoral research, conducted under the guidance of leading European scientists, focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymeric materials. This formative period in France immersed him in a rigorous research culture and exposed him to cutting-edge scientific inquiry, equipping him with the skills and network that would underpin his future contributions to Chemistry and Academia & Research.

Career & Major Achievements: From Laboratory to Leadership

The career trajectory of Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry is a testament to consistent growth and impactful contribution, seamlessly transitioning from a dedicated researcher to an institutional leader.

Scientific Research and Academic Ascension

Returning to Mauritius in the early 1990s, Prof. Jhurry joined the University of Mauritius as a Lecturer in Chemistry. He quickly established a dynamic research group, focusing on biodegradable polymers, drug delivery systems, and nanomedicine—areas of critical importance for sustainable development and healthcare. His scientific output is formidable, with over 100 research papers published in high-impact international journals and numerous presentations at global conferences. He has successfully supervised many PhD and MPhil students, nurturing the next generation of Mauritian scientists. His research leadership was formally recognized when he was appointed Director of the ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research at the University, a hub that has gained international acclaim.

Transformative Leadership as Vice-Chancellor

Appointed as VC of the University of Mauritius in 2015, Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry embarked on an ambitious mission to transform the institution. His tenure has been marked by several strategic initiatives:

• Research & Innovation: He championed a significant shift towards a research-intensive culture, increasing publication output, securing competitive international grants, and fostering interdisciplinary research centers focused on areas like artificial intelligence, oceanography, and sustainable agriculture.
• Internationalization: Under his guidance, the university expanded its global footprint through strategic partnerships with institutions in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia, enhancing student and staff mobility and collaborative research.
• Curriculum Reform: He has driven the modernization of academic programs to align with national needs and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, introducing new degrees in fields like robotics, fintech, and pharmaceutical sciences.
• Infrastructure Development: Prof. Jhurry has overseen major campus development projects, including state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces, to support advanced teaching and research.
• National Contribution: He has positioned the university as a key advisor to the government, contributing evidence-based research to policy-making in areas ranging from sugar cane biotechnology to renewable energy and public health.

His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly notable, where he mobilized university resources for public health communication, research on local variants, and supporting the transition to online learning.

Personal Life & Legacy: Beyond the Office

While much of his life is dedicated to academia, Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry is known to be a private individual who values family. Colleagues describe him as a man of integrity, deep intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to the development of Mauritius. His interests, though often overshadowed by his professional duties, are believed to include reading across diverse genres and following global scientific advancements. His legacy is already visible in the strengthened research ecosystem at the University of Mauritius and the increased confidence of Mauritian students and researchers to compete on the world stage.

Prof. Jhurry is also seen as a role model for demonstrating that world-class scientific excellence can be cultivated and sustained in a small island developing state. His journey from a scholarship student in France to the head of the national university serves as an inspiration to countless young Mauritians. His legacy will be measured not just in papers published or buildings erected, but in the enhanced capacity of the Mauritian higher education system to drive innovation and solve complex national and global challenges.

Recognition & Net Worth

Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry has received numerous accolades for his work. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the Mauritian Academy of Science and Technology. He has also served on high-level national committees, including the National Research and Innovation Council. In 2022, he was conferred the title of Commandeur de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French government, one of the highest academic honors, recognizing his exceptional contributions to education and science.

Regarding net worth, as a senior public academic and administrator in Mauritius, Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry's financial standing is derived from his salary as Vice-Chancellor and potential royalties from intellectual property related to his scientific patents. Specific figures are not publicly disclosed, as is typical for university heads in Mauritius. His primary "wealth" and "business" are intellectual, measured in the knowledge capital he has helped create, the research infrastructure he has built, and the human talent he has nurtured. His career is a testament to a profound commitment to public service and the advancement of Academia & Research in Mauritius, rather than private commercial venture.

Sources & Further Reading: Information compiled from the official University of Mauritius website, publications from the ANDI Centre of Excellence, announcements from the French Embassy in Mauritius, and interviews with Prof. Jhurry in Mauritian media outlets such as L'Express and Le Mauricien.