School of Conflict and Security Studies

Dr. Suryesh Kumar Namdeo leads the Bio-Responsibility Initiative at the Indian Institute of Science. He is a member of the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) and a former Fellow at the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), Singapore. Dr. Namdeo serves on the advisory board of the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) and contributes to the AIxBio Global Forum — reflecting his deep engagement with emerging biosecurity risks. 

His expertise has been sought by leading global institutions, including the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), where he has contributed to multiple expert committees on biosecurity. He previously served as Science and Technology Consultant for the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, where his responsibilities involved acting as a bridge between scientists and policymakers. For his contributions in biosecurity, he was a finalist for the PACEY Award 2026, by the Basel Peace Office in Switzerland.

An IFBA certified Biorisk Management Professional, he has also championed the science policy community as a former Director for Outreach and Engagement at the Journal of Science Policy and Governance (JSPG). He earlier served as programme officer for the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Fellowship Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany. 

Riza Fathima A V is a doctoral student at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, and is associated with the School of Conflict and Security Studies. She holds a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. Her research interests centre on Africa, with a specific focus on the Sahel region, particularly conflicts and security in the Sahel, the intersectionality of challenges, and an interest in the experiences and vulnerabilities of women in conflict-affected contexts.

Dr. Jay B. Desai is a Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Development and Peace (INEF) in the University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany). He has obtained PhD in International Relations (IR) from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Spain) with an outstanding ‘Cum Laude’ grade. On February 05, 2026, he delivered the prestigious Rhineland Lecture on Sovereign Equality of States in International Law: Increasing Multipolarity in a Changing World Order at the University of Bonn (Germany). Dr. Desai earlier worked on Missiles in International Security at the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, Indian Air Force (Western Command) of the Indian Ministry of Defense (New Delhi). He has extensively published research articles, book reviews and opinion articles in the field of International Relations. His areas of research interests include theories in International Relations; International Peace Treaties; future of the UN-led World Order; Geopolitical Dynamics of India-China Relations; Missiles in International Security; ‘No First Use Doctrine’ and Nuclear Weapons; Strategic and Security Issues.

MEng-RIT Rochester in Microelectronics, PhD-King's College London-Defence Studies. 30 years in Mixed Signal Analog and HV GaN. Ventured to US in 1989 on a full academic scholarship for undergraduate at top college-The University of the South, MEng at RIT on SRC Fellowship. Work experience at Applied Materials-Plasma Etch, Cypress Semiconductors (now Infineon)-90 and 65 nm 193 DUV Gate module for SRAMs  R&D Pilot Line Maxim Integrated (now Analog Devices)-Plasma/Photo Sec Mgr Mixed Signal/Analog Production Fab. Transphorm (now Renesas) pilot line HV GaN on Si transfer to mass production in Japan and EU-Sr Director Foundry. Currently with Power Integrations-  Sr Staff Foundry Engineering ensuring high yielding and reliable  HV GaN Power MOSFETs and Si LDMOS devices including assembly and package related product development for these technologies. Sponsored to HBS Leadership Development program (PLD) by Maxim Integrated in 2006-07. Completed MBA from Santa Clara University sponsored by Applied Materials in 2001.