Anant Maringanti to lead Minnesota University’s global change study center

Maringanti’s career has centered on interdisciplinary approaches to critical global challenges, with a particular focus on South Asia

By Arun Kumar

University of Minnesota has named noted Indian urban researcher Dr. Anant Maringanti as Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC). He will start in the position later this spring.

Founder and Director of Hyderabad Urban Lab (HUL), a multidisciplinary research initiative under the Right to the City Foundation, Maringanti is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an alumnus of the ICGC Scholars program.

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Announcing his appointment, Harvey Charles, Vice Provost for International Affairs said, “Dr. Maringanti brings extensive experience in interdisciplinary research and urban intervention initiatives, and a strong commitment to social justice in the global south.”

Welcoming Dr. Maringanti back to the University of Minnesota, Charles expressed appreciation to the search committee for its excellent work, with special thanks to Professor Vinay Gidwani for serving as chair.

Reflecting on his new role, Maringanti said, “My work has always been driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice. I look forward to contributing to ICGC’s legacy of fostering interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges and supporting the next generation of scholars.”

A graduate of the University of Minnesota with an MA and PhD in Geography, Environment, and Society, Maringanti earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Osmania University.

His academic and professional career has centered on interdisciplinary approaches to critical global challenges, with a particular focus on South Asia. Since 2012, Maringanti has led several interdisciplinary research and urban intervention initiatives with a strong commitment to social justice in rapidly urbanising global south.

He has contributed to urban studies and social justice through deeply collaborative projects, publications and the development of innovative educational programs.

Maringanti has designed and implemented curriculum tailored for students and early career professionals and scholars. His experience includes teaching, PhD supervision, grant writing, developing leadership in international collaborations and mentoring young scholars.

Maringanti says he is “committed to fostering enabling conditions for visionary and collective leadership that can work across boundaries between disciplines and between theory and practice. My career has been a transformative journey driven by a persistent desire to address the injustices that persist within our urban landscapes.”