KR Nair obtained his DSc (1954) from University of London, UK specializing in statistics. He served as the Project Manager/Director, United Nations Asian Statistical Institute, Tokyo; Director, Central Statistical Organization and ex officio Joint-Secretary, Department of Statistics, Government of India.

Academic and Research Achievements: Nair had made major contributions to the theory of design of experiments. Working with RC Bose, he introduced the concept of partially balanced incomplete block designs and worked out at length the methods of their construction and analysis. His work with CR Rao dealing with confounding in asymmetric factorial experiments is also considered highly significant. He also made significant contributions to order statistics.

Other Contributions: Member, INSA Council (1966-68).

Awards and Honours: Fellow, American Statistical Association and Royal Statistical Society (London); Member, International Statistical Institute. He was the President of statistics section of the Indian Science Congress in 1954.