Professor (Dr.) Renu Vig is discharging the responsibilities of Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University since Jan 16, 2023. Prior to this, she has held several key positions at Panjab University-Dean University Instruction, Dean Research, Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology, and Director UIET. With a teaching and research experience of more than 35 years, Professor Renu Vig holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks.

She has a stellar academic record having been awarded Gold Medal by Panjab University for standing first in B.E. across all departments in Punjab Engineering College and other affiliated colleges, and Roll of Honour for standing third in Pre-Engineering, Panjab University. In addition to academics and research, the exemplary contribution she made during sabbatical project undertaken at Infosys Technologies Ltd earned her appreciation letter from Dr. M.P. Ravindra, Vice President and Head, Education & Research Dept., Infosys Technologies Ltd. She has guided 10 PhD successfully in the area of Signal Processing and Fuzzy Logic based control. She has more than 100 SCI/Scopus indexed reputed research publications to her credit. She has visited prestigious institutions such as University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham and National University of Singapore. She has presented paper in World Congress on Engineering at Imperial College London.

Professor Renu Vig has significant experience of conceiving projects for arranging grants from various agencies. Under her leadership, UIET received Rs. 10 crore grant under TEQIP-II project of MHRD for sub Component 1.1 i.e. Strengthening Institutions to improve Learning outcomes and Employability of Graduates. UIET was selected as a well performing institute, and additional Grant of Rs. 5 crore was sanctioned by MHRD. She successfully set up Design Innovation Centre funded by MHRD at Panjab University. This project was worth Rs. 10 Crore and initiatives are being taken to promote design and innovation culture among students and faculty.

Professor Renu Vig is Principal Investigator of Project 'Robust Automatic Segregation of Defective Fasteners in Industries using Deep Learning' executed in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University. The objective of the project was to design an autonomous system using deep learning techniques for the efficient classification of defective and non-defective fasteners in small and medium-scale industries, aiming to replace traditional manual methods that are often time-consuming and inefficient. The process begins with the collection of a diverse dataset of fastener images under consistent conditions, followed by preprocessing steps such as labelling, resizing, and augmentation to prepare the data for training. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model is then developed and trained to accurately classify the fasteners based on visual defects. Once the model is validated, it is integrated with an embedded system equipped with a camera for real-time image capture and analysis.

Professor Renu Vig is the Inventor for patent entitled 'Distress Signal Based Criminal Activity Detecting, Preventing and Reporting Device, System and Method' and Panjab University is the patentee. This intelligent system is capable of detecting distress voices or panic screams automatically without the need of a specific trigger word or manual activation. Upon detecting a distress signal, the device can immediately alert the nearest police station and sound an ultrasonic alarm at the location to confuse the attacker.

Professor Renu Vig has spearheaded several key initiatives in Panjab University dealing with various crucial aspects as given below.

• NAAC Accreditation:
  She played a pivotal role in securing the prestigious NAAC A++ grade with a score of 3.68, the highest in the university's history. Under her leadership, the university implemented strategic improvements across all seven NAAC assessment parameters, including curricular enhancements, research innovation, and infrastructure upgrades. She ensured meticulous preparation for the NAAC peer team visit, with mock drills, campus revamps, and a comprehensive Self-Study Report (SSR).
  
  Her collaborative approach—engaging faculty, staff, and stakeholders—and her focus on addressing past NAAC feedback were instrumental in this achievement, elevating Panjab University to India's elite institutions.
• National Education Policy (NEP) Implementation:
  Panjab University initiated NEP implementation in the academic session 2023-24, and affiliated colleges in session 2024-25. A wide array of Skill Enhancement Courses (100 new courses) and Value Added Courses (approximately 75 courses) are now available. The first NEP batch will graduate from Panjab University in 2027 and from affiliated colleges in 2028. By July 2027, Panjab University must be prepared to offer a one-year Master's Program for students who have graduated with 4-year Honors/Research Degrees.
• Strengthening Entrepreneurial Culture:
  The entrepreneurial culture is being strengthened by the Panjab University Incubation Centre. Skill-oriented courses are regularly organized by the Centre for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Currently, PU has more than 50 successful startups, and this ecosystem will be further strengthened through initiatives like Idea Hackathons, pitching for funds in presence of investors, industry and academia meets etc.
• The S&T cluster, in collaboration with IIT Ropar through the Section 8 company PI-RAHI (Panjab University, IIT Ropar - Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations), has become operational. Efforts are being made to develop technologies and subsequently commercialize them in various areas such as medical devices, green energy, AI and Machine Learning, waste management, healthcare, agriculture etc. Institutions and organizations in the northern region are being encouraged to find solutions for industry and society.
• Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security:
  The establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Cyber Security, in collaboration with the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), an international cyber security non-profit foundation, is envisaged. An MoU has already been signed with ISAC for capacity building in Cyber Security.
• Digital Transformation through e-SAMARTH Deployment:
  Under her visionary leadership, Panjab University has adopted the e-SAMARTH ERP system, a cloud-based platform launched by the Ministry of Education under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT). This initiative aims to consolidate fragmented data across colleges/departments into a unified digital framework, enhancing transparency and efficiency.