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The University of Southampton
Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute

Professor Ajit Shenoi, retires after 41 years of service to the University of Southampton

Published: 28 October 2022
Professor Ajit Shenoi

Professor Ajit Shenoi, Lloyd’s Register and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Professor in Lightweight Structures, and founding Director of the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI), retired on the 30 September 2022, marking a significant milestone to the University of Southampton.

Ajit joined the then Ship Science Department in October 1981 and has completed 41 years of tireless contributions to research, teaching, culture and ethos. Ajit has been an inspiration to very many students over the years, helping to shape their future with his invaluable knowledge and contribution, which was always delivered with kindness.


Ajit’s research interests are mainly in the mechanics of lightweight composite structures with potential applications in civil construction, marine and transportation sectors, working also on ship systems design. However, his maritime research, especially in the field of lightweight composites, is exceptional and many high up in industry owe their expertise to his insights.


For the University, Ajit had the vision and was instrumental in the bottom-up creation of the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute, following the successful initiation of the University Strategic Research Group in Maritimes Studies and stimulated by the ever-strengthening relationship with Lloyd’s Register.

The initial scoping began around the millennium and were key alongside collaboration with industry in the development of the Boldrewood Innovation Campus with its many laboratories and facilities. The SMMI celebrates 10 years of formal existence in 2022 and is now a unique internationally recognised centre of excellence and a distinctive strength of the University of Southampton.

Ajit graduated in 1974 with a degree in Naval Architecture from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Between 1974 and 1978 he had a successful career with the Mazagon Docks Bombay and Arya National Shipping Lines (Tehran) before continuing his academic journey through a PhD at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Ajit joined the Department of Ship Science at the University of Southampton as Lecturer in 1981 with timely progression to Professor in 1997. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Ajit was elected to Emeritus Professor on his retirement. Everyone within SMMI and the wider University sends very best wishes to Ajit for his well-deserved retirement and trusts he will continue to engage in SMMI endeavours.

Emeritus Professor Ajit Shenoi is pictured with Emeritus Professor Tony Molland
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