Sibnath Deb, PhD, DSc, is Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Psychology at Pondicherry University (A Central University). He served the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (An Institute of National Importance), Government of India, as Director (Equivalent to Vice Chancellor) from Jan 8, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Prior to joining Pondicherry University as Professor, he taught at the Department of Applied Psychology, University of Calcutta. Currently, he is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia and Member Board of Directors, Institute for School-based Family Counseling, California, USA. This is his fourth term as Adjunct Professor at QUT. From 2004 to 2008, he served the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) as a Council Member. He has produced 23 PhDs, published 22 books (by Sage, Springer, Routledge, PEARSON, and so on), and more than 120 research articles and book chapters. Some of his latest books include (i) Community Psychology: Emerging Issues and Challenges (Routledge, 2024); (ii) Social Psychology: Theories and Applications (Routledge, 2024); (iii) Handbook of Youth Development: Policies and Perspective in India and Beyond (Springer Nature, 2023); and (iv) Child Safety, Welfare and Wellbeing: Issues and Challenges, 2nd Edition, (Springer Nature, 2023). His research interests include child safety, students’ mental health, youth development, adolescent reproductive health, research methodology, monitoring and evaluation. In recognition of his academic and research contribution, Prof. Deb has received a number of national and international awards, including “The Visitor’s Award 2019” for his significant contribution to research from the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

Clinical psychology, health psychology, applied social psychology, students’ mental health, child protection, reproductive health including HIV/AIDS. Research methodology (both qualitative and quantitative), conceptualization and development of research and intervention project, project management, monitoring and evaluation of intervention projects.