Updesh Kumar Scientist 'F' and Head, Mental Health Division, Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Updesh Kumar, Ph.D., is a Scientist ‘F’ and in the chair of the Head, Mental Health Division at Defence Institute of Psychological Research, R&D Organization, Ministry of Defence, Delhi, India. Dr Kumar obtained his Doctorate degree from Punjab University, Chandigarh. With more than 23 years of experience as a scientist in R&D organization, he specializes in the area of suicidal behavior, personality assessment, and personnel selection and has developed a number of psychological tests and assessment tools. Dr Kumar has been a psychological assessor (psychologist) in various services selection boards for eight years for the selection of officers in Indian Armed Forces. He is a certified psychologist by The British Psychological Society with level ‘A’ and level ‘B’ Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing. He has to his credit many important research projects relating to the Armed Forces. Dr Kumar has edited four quality volumes on ‘Recent Developments in Psychology,’ ‘Counseling: A Practical Approach,’ ‘Suicidal Behaviour: Assessment of People at Risk’ (SAGE Publications), and recently ‘Countering Terrorism: Psychosocial Strategies’ published by SAGE Publications, ‘Positive Psychology: Applications in Work, Health and Well-being’ (in press, Pearson Publication) and ‘Suicidal Behaviour: Underlying Dynamics’ (in press, Routledge Publication, UK). Dr Kumar has authored manuals on ‘Suicide and Fratricide: Dynamics and Management’ for defense personnel, ‘Managing Emotions in Daily Life & at Work Place’ for general population, ‘Overcoming Obsolescence & Becoming Creative in R&D Environment’ for R&D organizations, and ‘Self-Help Techniques in Military Settings.’ He has authored more than 50 other academic publications in the form of research papers, journal articles, and book chapters and represented his institute at national and international level. He has been the recipient of Defence R&D organization’s (DRDO) Technology Group Award in 2001 and 2009, and Professor Manju Thakur Memorial Award 2009 by Indian Academy of Psychology (IAAP). He was also conferred with the DRDO’s Best Popular Science Communication Award 2009 by Hon’ble Defence Minister of India and DRDO Technology Day Award, 2012 by Hon’ble Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. Dr Kumar has been recently conferred upon with the prestigious DRDO’s Scientist of the Year Award 2013 by the Government of India.