Dr.Pratap Jyoti Handique took charge as the new Vice-Chancellor of the prestigiousGauhati University (GU) on Wednesday. Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Mondayappointed Handique as the new VC of GU.

Handiqueis a professor of Biotechnology in the University and was awarded a PhD fromsame university in 1992.

Laterduring 2005-2006, he did his post-doctoral research on molecular biotechnology inthe laboratory of Professor JS Heslop-Horrison at Leicester University in theUK. Handique is known as one of the pioneers who worked for the development ofBiotechnology in Assam and the Northeast.

Thenew VC will hold his office for a period of five years or till he attains theage of 70 years whichever is earlier as per provision under the GauhatiUniversity Act, 1947, as amended up to date.