Leadership Message

Professor (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal is a distinguished academic leader and visionary institution builder who assumed office as Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh on 28 July 2021. With extensive experience in higher education governance, research, and policy implementation, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening academic institutions and advancing interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Academic Leadership & Scholarship

A prolific scholar with 25 authored books, around 90 research publications, and 11 nationally significant research projects, Prof. Bansal has consistently promoted innovation, quality assurance, and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).

Vision for the BCC Lab

As Chief Patron of the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Lab, he provides strategic leadership and institutional support to advance research in climate change communication and health communication. His commitment to evidence-based policy and societal impact reinforces the Lab's mission to translate research into meaningful behavioural change.

"Strategic, empathetic, and scientifically grounded communication can bridge the gap between policy and people. The way information is framed and shared matters enormously in addressing the challenges of our time."

— Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal

Prof. Archna Katoch is a Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication and serves as the Patron of the BCC Policy Lab. With a strong academic foundation in development communication, media research, and journalism studies, her work has consistently focused on the role of media in shaping social awareness and behavioural change.

Climate Communication & Public Engagement

Her research now centers on the intersection of media and environment, with a particular emphasis on climate change communication. She examines how media narratives, journalism practices, and communication strategies influence public understanding of environmental issues and encourage sustainable behaviours. Her work is especially attentive to rural and vulnerable communities, highlighting the importance of inclusive and context-sensitive communication approaches.

Strategic Mentorship for the BCC Policy Lab

As Patron of the BCC Policy Lab, Prof. Katoch provides academic guidance and mentorship, supporting the lab’s focus on behaviour change communication through media-driven approaches. Her expertise strengthens the lab’s efforts to develop impactful communication strategies that promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and community engagement.

Strategic Focus Areas

Core pillars of institutional support and research advancement

Higher Education Excellence

Promoting innovation, quality assurance, and implementation of national education policies in research institutions.

Interdisciplinary Research

Advancing collaborative research initiatives that bridge academic disciplines to address complex societal challenges.

Evidence-Based Policy

Translating research into actionable insights that inform policy decisions and drive meaningful societal impact.

Strategic Communication

Fostering communication strategies that connect research, policy, and public understanding for collective action.

Patron's Message

Strategic Focus Areas

Higher Education Excellence

Interdisciplinary Research

Evidence-Based Policy

Strategic Communication

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