Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy is a well known Indian nuclear scientist and a Science administrator. His major research contributions include research in the area of nuclear fission and medium energy heavy ion induced reactions. He was also a member of the design team of India’s first nuclear experiment in Pokhran in 1974. As the longest-serving Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (1995–2006), he not only broaded research in our institutions but also pioneered the commercialization of Indian R&D and shaped the country’s modern innovation ecosystem. He chaired the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Apllications of the International Atomic zenergy Agency, Vienna  for nearly a decade. As Director of institutions like the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar and National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, he mentored generations of Indian students and young scientists.

 

In recognition of his contributions, Prof. Ramamurthy was awarded PADMABHUSHAN by the Government of India in 2005.