Ashish Kishore Lele is a distinguished Indian chemical engineer and academic, renowned for his contributions to the field of polymer reaction engineering and complex fluid dynamics. He earned his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), now known as the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), in Mumbai. He further pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Delaware, specializing in chemical engineering. Following his PhD, Lele returned to India and joined the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, where he established a vibrant research group focused on understanding and modeling complex chemical processes.

Throughout his career, Lele has made significant advancements in the understanding of polymerization kinetics, reactor design, and the processing of polymeric materials. His research has been instrumental in developing innovative technologies for the production of polymers with tailored properties. He is particularly wellknown for his work on microreactors and their application in polymerization processes, enabling precise control over reaction conditions and the synthesis of polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions.

Beyond his research contributions, Ashish Kishore Lele is also a highly respected educator. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, shaping the next generation of chemical engineers in India. His commitment to teaching and research has earned him several prestigious awards and honors, recognizing his contributions to the advancement of chemical engineering science and technology. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and has served on various national and international committees, contributing to the development of science and technology policy. His work continues to inspire and influence researchers and engineers in the field of chemical engineering worldwide.