Rajendra Akerkar is Professor and Head of Big Data & AI Technologies at Western Norway Research Institute, where he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and semantic technologies. With an M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Computer Science, he brings over three decades of global experience in teaching, research, and innovation across Europe, Asia, and North America.

His work focuses on leveraging AI and big data for real-world impact, addressing critical challenges in emergency management, social cybersecurity, smart transportation, and energy optimization. Prof. Akerkar has authored 16 books and more than 160 peer-reviewed publications, shaping discourse in AI and data-driven technologies. He has served on editorial boards of leading journals, including the IEEE Open Journal of the Computer Society and Web Intelligence, and has held visiting professorships at institutions such as the University of Oslo, NTNU, University Jean Monnet (France), and universities in Germany, Canada, Vietnam, and India.

A recognized leader in international research collaboration, he has coordinated numerous projects funded by EU Framework Programmes, the Research Council of Norway, and other global agencies. His contributions extend to ICT standardization efforts and transnational initiatives that advance the responsible use of AI technology. Passionate about mentorship, Prof. Akerkar has guided hundreds of students and researchers, supervising master’s theses, doctoral dissertations, and postdoctoral projects in AI and data science.