Homi Jehangir Bhabha completed his PhD (1935), University of Cambridge, UK and earned his DSc (hc) from Patna (1944), Lucknow (1949), Banaras (1950), Agra (1952), Perth (1954), Allahabad (1958), Cambridge (1959), London (1960) and Padua (1961) Universities. His area of specialization was High-Energy Physics. Bhabha held the positions of Professor of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Director, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and Secretary, Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy.

Academic and Research Achievements: Bhabha made monumental contributions to theoretical high-energy physics. He calculated the cross section of electron positron scattering (Bhabha scattering). He put forth the theory of cosmic ray showers by cascade production of gamma rays and positive and negative electron pairs. In his vector meson theory, Bhabha pointed out that the measured lifetime of a meson in flight is affected by the time dilatation predicted by Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, and today this measurement is considered to be the most direct demonstration of that phenomenon.

Other Contributions: Bhabha was the brain behind the atomic energy establishments in India. As the Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet; President, International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and IAEA Scientific Advisory Committee, Bhabha was responsible for policy. He has been described by Sir John Cockcroft as one of the most distinguished men of our time, one who played an unique role in the development of science and technology in India .

Awards and Honours: HJ Bhabha won the Hopkins Prize (Cambridge Philosophical Society, 1948), the Melchett Award (Fuel Institute, London) and was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1954). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (1941), Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Bhabha was a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and President, INSA (1965-66).

Indian National Science Academy has instituted the 'Homi Jehangir Bhabha Medal' in his memory.