Prof. (Dr.) F. M. Nadaf is an academician, administrator, researcher, and education leader with more than three decades of distinguished service in higher education. Presently, he serves as the Principal of the Government of Goa’s College of Multidisciplinary Studies & Research, Borda–Margao, Goa, the first Government College in Goa to be conferred Autonomous Status. He also holds the additional responsibility of Deputy Director of Higher Education, Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa.

With 33 years of teaching experience, Prof. Nadaf began his academic journey as a Lecturer in Geography at Shree Mallikarjun College, Canacona, in 1993. Over the years, he has held several academic and administrative positions, including serving as Principal of Shree Mallikarjun College from 2012 to 2018. He has played a pivotal role in institutional development, academic reforms, and quality enhancement initiatives in higher education.

Prof. Nadaf has contributed extensively to university administration and academic governance. He has served as NSS Programme Coordinator of Goa University, Member of the Academic Council of Goa University for three terms, Member of the Goa University Court, Chairperson of the Board of Studies in Geography, and Member of several Boards of Studies across reputed institutions in Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. He has also served as Observer and member of various academic committees of Goa University.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he rendered significant public service as Coordinator for South Goa DistrictPrivate Hospital Management, demonstrating exceptional administrative leadership during a critical period.

A researcher and scholar, Prof. Nadaf was awarded the Ph.D. degree by Karnatak University, Dharwad, in 2003 for his research titled “Environmental Degradation along the Coastal Belt of Goa: A Spatial Analysis.” He is a recognized Ph.D. Research Guide at Goa University and is actively involved in guiding research scholars. Under his guidance, one research scholar has successfully been awarded the Ph.D. degree, while several others are presently pursuing doctoral research. His areas of specialization include Environmental Geography, Urban Geography, Coastal Geography, Coastal Geomorphology, Sustainable Development, Tourism Geography, and the Application of Geo-spatial Technologies in Geography.

He has successfully completed research projects and technical studies, including a UGC Minor Research Project, GIPARD Minor Research Project and a Joint Technical Report titled “Canacona Disaster: A Scientific Perspective” submitted to the Government of Goa.

As a member of the Government of Goa’s NEP 2020 Study Team, Prof. Nadaf undertook academic and administrative visits to Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra to study best practices in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Prof. Nadaf has made substantial academic contributions through publications and scholarly engagement. He has authored and co-authored 11 books and published 30 research papers and book chapters in national and international journals. He has also delivered lectures and served as a Resource Person in numerous conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars across India.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to higher education and the discipline of Geography, he has received several prestigious honours, including the Best Teacher Award (2021–22) by the Government of Goa, Best Geography Teacher Award (2015) from the Deccan Geography Society of India andBest Geography Teacher Award (2021) by the Pangea Geographical Association, India.