Unni Sivaraman Nair obtained DSc (1937) from University of London, UK specializing in statistics. He served as the Professor and Head, Statistics Division, Department of Mathematics, University of Travancore; Statistical Adviser, Government of Travancore; UN Statistical Adviser under ECAFE and Visiting Professor, University of California, USA.

Academic and Research Achievements: Nair made notable contributions to mathematics and statistics in relation to: (i) application of moment function in the study of distribution laws in statistics, (ii) probability statements regarding the ratio of standard deviations and correlation coefficient in a bivariate normal population, and (iii) application of factorial series in studying distribution laws.

Other Contributions: Nair helped in census operations in the former Travancore-Cochin State in 1951. He was also the in-charge of the Scheme for Improvement of Agricultural Statistics. As Director of Statistics of the State, Nair took active part in National Sample Survey of the Indian Statistical Institute in 1954.

Awards and Honours: Nair was a Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore. He was President, Statistics Section, Indian Science Congress (1949).