George Matthai obtained his ScD (1929) from University of Cambridge, UK specializing in zoology. He served as the Professor and Head, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Lahore (1918-42). Academic and Research Achievements: Matthai initially worked on the morphology and classification of Madreporarian corals. The special merit of his work was that it took into account the structure of the soft parts of the body, which were expected to provide a more rational index to affinities than the calcareous skeleton alone. In 1940 he discussed the theoretical bearings of his work, summarizing his conclusions on the evolutionary tendencies in the Astraeidae. Later, he was engaged in the study of Fungidae. For his taxonomic work he examined all existing type collections in Europe and America. His studies on corals, thus, formed the main theme of his work, and are regarded as a monumental contribution to our knowledge of the Madreporaria. Awards and Honours:Matthai was a Fellow, Linnaean Society (London) and Royal Society of Edinburgh. He served as the President, Zoology Section, Indian Science Congress (1920, 1923, 1938).