Middlesex University Dubai’s Professor Ajit Karnik awarded title of Emeritus Professor

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai have awarded Professor Ajit Karnik the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of his substantial contributions to the university in both research and teaching. 

The award reflects his significant impact in the field of economics and his unwavering commitment to higher education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The news comes as MDX Dubai bid farewell to Professor Ajit, who has retired after an impressive 44-year career in higher education, including 15 years as a Professor of Economics at the university. 

His legacy as an educator and researcher leaves an indelible mark on the institution and the field of economics in the UAE.

Prior to his tenure at MDX Dubai, Professor Ajit held positions as the Reserve Bank of India Professor of Political Economy at the University of Bombay and as a Professor of Economics at the University of Wollongong Dubai. His extensive experience in academia is complemented by prestigious international fellowships, including the Smuts Commonwealth Fellowship at Wolfson College, Cambridge, the Fulbright Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, and a fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin.

Throughout his career in the UAE, Professor Ajit has made significant contributions to the region’s economic research landscape. He published the first econometric economic model for the UAE and conducted a groundbreaking study estimating the elasticity of demand for tourism in the country. His efforts at MDX Dubai were instrumental in establishing a robust research culture, recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as an exemplar for international branch campuses.

Professor Ajit’s dedication to fostering international collaboration in research led to the establishment of Souq Economics, a centre of excellence that serves as a platform for researchers globally to share and develop their work. He also chaired the First and Second International Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Science conferences in 2011 and 2013, marking significant milestones as the first major international conferences organised by a UK university in the region.

Beyond his research contributions, Professor Ajit has been an inspiring teacher and mentor, supervising over 150 taught master’s students. He was the local supervisor for Dr Pallavi Kishore, who became the first faculty member to earn a PhD from the University.

Middlesex London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shân Wareing, said “My thanks go out to Professor Ajit for his excellent contributions to Middlesex University Dubai over the years.”

Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, said: “In recognition of Professor Ajit’s substantial contribution to MDX Dubai in research and teaching, he’s eminently worthy of the award of the title Emeritus Professor. 

“He will continue to be connected with the faculty, students and research at the Dubai campus.”