In a world where higher education is often confined to the four walls of academia, Dr. Udit Batra has emerged as a transformative force, redefining what it means to prepare graduate students for impactful careers. His dedication to graduate student development, especially through experiential learning, has positioned him not only as a trailblazing executive but also as a mentor, innovator, and humanitarian.
Udit Batra: The Spark of a Vision
It is rare to see a Fortune 500 CEO so intimately engaged in academic mentorship. Yet, for Dr. Udit Batra, leadership goes far beyond boardrooms and earnings reports. A proud alumnus of Princeton University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Dr. Batra understands firsthand the challenges and aspirations of doctoral students. This deep-rooted connection has fueled his ongoing commitment to championing the professional development of graduate students.
In 2020, during his tenure as CEO of MilliporeSigma, Dr. Udit Batra recognised a pressing dilemma—Ph.D. Students were missing out on vital industry exposure due to the intensive demands of their academic programs.
Rather than accept this limitation, he chose to lead with action. Partnering with Princeton University, he helped launch the Pre-matriculation Internship Program for incoming graduate students in the Chemical and Biological Engineering department. This was not just a gesture—it was a foundational shift that bridged the gap between academia and industry.
Pre-Matriculation Internship Program: A Game-Changer
Unlike traditional internships, this program targets students before they even begin their doctoral journey. It provides a paid, immersive experience within leading life sciences organizations, enabling students to build essential technical and professional skills while gaining real-world exposure.
What makes this initiative revolutionary is its timing and structure. Interns are not only paid, but they are also paired with industry mentors—seasoned professionals who guide them long after the internship ends. These mentors become touchstones of support throughout the students’ time at Princeton and into their future careers.
Dr. Udit Batra understood that such graduate student development was not optional—it was essential. In his words at the 2020 and 2022 GradFUTURES Forums, he emphasized that the future of science and engineering depends on leaders who are both academically excellent and professionally adaptable. His keynote speeches, now available on YouTube, have inspired countless students to dream bigger and embrace interdisciplinary growth.
From Molecules to Mentorship: A Career Defined by Purpose
Dr. Udit Batra’s leadership journey reads like a masterclass in transformational thinking. Before assuming the helm at Waters Corporation in 2020, he was the architect of MilliporeSigma’s unprecedented merger—the largest in the life sciences tools industry. Under his guidance, the company not only achieved record-breaking sales and margin growth but also became an industry leader in operational excellence.
Earlier, at Merck KGaA, Udit Batra revitalised the consumer health business, doubling profitability in just two years. At Novartis, he led critical global initiatives in vaccines, diagnostics, and public health. Each chapter in his career is marked by bold decisions, strategic clarity, and a steadfast belief in empowering people.
But even amidst billion-dollar deals and global strategy, Dr. Batra has never lost sight of what truly matters—developing future leaders. His tireless work to promote diversity, women’s leadership, and science education for underserved communities proves that he leads with heart as well as intellect.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Vision
What sets Dr. Udit Batra apart is his unique blend of technical brilliance, business acumen, and human-centred leadership. He does not merely create opportunities—he cultivates ecosystems where innovation, inclusion, and mentorship thrive.
As CEO of Waters Corporation, he has once again forged a path for pre-matriculation internships, continuing his legacy of supporting Princeton graduate students. He understands that professional identity is built not only through textbooks and research but also through real-world challenges, collaborative problem-solving, and authentic mentorship.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Dr. Udit Batra’s journey is a powerful testament to what’s possible when purpose meets preparation. His own educational path—from the University of Delaware to Princeton, from academia to executive leadership—serves as a guiding light for students navigating their own futures.
Udit Batra’s commitment to graduate student development is not an isolated endeavour—it is a replicable model. Departments across universities can adopt similar programs, ensuring students are not just academically equipped but also professionally empowered.
Through his involvement on the advisory councils of Princeton and the University of Delaware, as well as his board service at institutions like Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts High Tech Council, Dr. Batra continues to lead by example. His actions speak volumes: true leadership uplifts others.
Also Read : Germany tightens Schengen Visa rules for Indians: Informal appeal system ends from July 2025