Akshayananda Bose obtained his DSc (1945) from the University of Dacca, now in Bangladesh. His specialization was in Solid-State Physics and Cryogenics. He was Professor of Physics (1956-75), and Emeritus Professor, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Calcutta; Founder President (1975), Director General (1978), Indian Cryogenics Council (ICC), Calcutta; and Director, Advanced Centre of Cryogenic Research, Calcutta.

Academic and Research Achievements: Bose did intensive research in low temperature and solid-state physics as early as 1935. He worked on crystal magnetism, crystal spectra, paramagnetic resonance, semiconduction and X-ray structure. He established pioneer schools of magnetism and cryogenics. Bose developed new magnetic balances, automatic cryostats, accessories, the first miniature H2 liquefier in India and the first design and model of turbine expansion air liquefier. He established the effect of long-range crystal field in magnetic crystals, and magnetic transition owing to coexisting crystal phases; and also developed cryothermometers, all-metal cryogen container, programmed thermo-cryostat, LN2 food freezer, storage and transport cabinet, cryogenic thermal insulator and several other equipments.

Other Contributions: Bose was a pioneer in cryogenics in India, and founded the Indian Cryogenics Council and Advanced Centre of Cryogenic Research. He was an Editor of Indian Journal of Physics (1965-75) and edited the books Cryogenic Application and Progress (1985) and Advances in Cryogenics (1988). Bose was a Member of IUPAP; IIR, Paris; and Vice-Chairman of Commission A1/A2, IIR. He was a Member of INSA Council (1976-78).

Awards and Honours: Bose was a recipient of INSA Silver Jubilee Commemoration Medal (1960); NPL Golden Jubilee Commemoration Plague (1983); KS Krishnan Memorial Lectureship of Indian Physical Society; Golden Jubilee and KS Krishnan Memorial Lectureship of National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi (1983); CV Raman Birth Centenary Medal (1988); and West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology Felicitation and Plaque (1991). He was Life Fellow of Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and Indian Cryogenics Council.