Sunil Kumar Bhattacharya obtained his PhD (Engg) from the University of Calcutta. His area of specialization was physical oceanography. He was Adviser, Ports and Waterways; Director-General of Sea Communications, Indonesia; Chief Hydraulic Engineer and Director, Kolkata Port; Commissioner and Director, Institute of Port Management, Kolkata.

Academic and Research Achievements: Bhattacharya made a distinct contribution to the advancement of knowledge in tidal hydraulics relating to the propagation of long period waves. He developed methods for improving tidal waterways and estuaries.

Awards and Honours: Bhattacharya received Padma Shri. He was a Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers (London) and Institution of Structural Engineers (London). He was a Member of Permanent International Association of Navigation Congress, Brussels.