Dilip Surkar is a senior development sector leader with over 35 years of experience across environmental conservation, STEM education, sustainable livelihoods, water and sanitation, and climate resilience. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, with contributions to several high-impact initiatives at the national level in India.

He currently serves as CEO of Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD), Executive Director of Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), and Director of VIKSAT. Through these roles, he works at the intersection of science, education, environment, and development, promoting innovative approaches that connect scientific knowledge with societal needs. His efforts have focused on strengthening environmental education, science communication, and experiential STEM learning, especially among young people and educators.

Over the years, he has designed and implemented programmes on natural resource management, climate resilience, water and sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural and underserved regions. His work includes community-based approaches, capacity building, and institution strengthening, as well as ecodevelopment initiatives around protected areas.

Earlier, he served as National Coordinator of the GEF UNDP Small Grants Programme in India, where he supported numerous civil society organisations working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods through grant-making, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. He has also been associated with global and regional networks, including as Senior Fellow with the American India Foundation (AIF), Co-Chair of End Water Poverty, and Board Member of Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), contributing to policy dialogue and advocacy.

He currently chairs the Society for Sustainable Urban Development (SSUD) and serves on the governing boards of Centre for Environment Education (CEE), CHETNA, and KHAMIR. He is actively engaged with a range of scientific, educational, and environmental initiatives, and contributes to various institutions, networks, and committees, including those of the Government of India.

Under his leadership, VASCSC has received several national recognitions, including the National Award for Science and Technology Communication, the Times of India Social Impact Award for Education, and the Mahatma Award for Social Good and Impact. VIKSAT and the Farmer Producer Organisation promoted by it have also received multiple recognitions.

A civil engineering graduate, he has pursued postgraduate studies in environmental management, water and sanitation, and financial management, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to his work.