Ram Prasad Mitra obtained his DSc (1938) from University of Calcutta specializing in chemistry. He served as the Honorary Professor (1941-45), University of Calcutta; Lecturer (1946), Reader and Senior Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry (1951-70); Dean, Faculty of Sciences (1966-67) all at University of Delhi.

Academic and Research Achievements: Mitra did pioneering work in theoretical and experimental electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, physical chemistry of proteins and synthetic polypeptides, X-ray and electron diffraction study of crystal structure, structural chemistry of clay minerals, kinetics of degradation of polyphosphates, photochemistry of cyanide complexes, surface chemistry and quantum chemistry.

Other Contributions: Member, Indian National Committee for International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Executive Committees of National Chemical Laboratory, Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Central Electrochemical Research Institute and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; Convener, Physical Chemistry Section, CSIR. He served as editor of Journal of Indian Chemical Society. Mitra was a Member of INSA Council (1960-61).

Awards and Honours: Mitra served as President, Chemistry Section, Indian Science Congress (1962). The University of Delhi has instituted a gold medal in his memory.