Jagdish Shankar did his PhD (1939) from University of Bombay. He worked as Head, Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai; Adviser, Department of Atomic Energy; Director, Science Research Council, UGC; and Professor, Centre for Ecodevelopment, University of Kashmir.

Academic and Research Achievements: Shankar contributed to studies on consequences of recoiling atoms in solid metal complex and radiation damage. The model he proposed could explain all the previous results. He made significant contributions to radiation chemistry of aqueous solutions of substances using Cobalt-60 gamma rays. His postulate that the ejected electron can form a pair with an ion molecule was widely accepted. He also worked on X-rays and crystal structure.

Awards and Honours: Dr Jagdish Shankar was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; and also the Indian Chemical Society (sometime President).

The Indian National Science Academy has instituted ‘Dr Jagdish Shankar Memorial Lecture’ in his honour.