BR Murty obtained his PhD (1960) from Cornell University, USA specialzing in genetics and biometry. He served as the Biometrical Geneticist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (1961-66); All India Project Co-ordinator for Crop Improvement (1966-74); Nuffield University of Professional Fellow, Cambridge (1973-74); Project Director, Nuclear Research Laboratory (1974-84); UN Expert, International Atomic Energy Agency (1979-86); Distinguished Visiting Professor, Cornell, Colorado State and Ohio State Universities (1987-93); Honorary Professor, University of Zulia, Venezuela; INSA Senior Scientist (1988-91) and Professor, Biochemistry Division at IARI, Pusa.

Academic and Research Achievements: Murty’s contributions are in gene conservation, biometry, genetics and radiation genetics using multivariate analysis in assessing divergence, effect of selection, and choice of parents for hybridization and classificatory problems of world genetic collections. His work modifies the methodology of selection for disease resistance, stress tolerance and quality, which was reflected in the release of productive varieties. His works on regulation of recombination, disruptive selection and genetic load are classical contributions in theoretical genetics.

Other Contributions: Murty initiated and established biometrical genetics in India in IARI, New Delhi in 1961, which has had impact all over India. He served as member of the editorial boards of: Theoretical and Applied Breedomg and Genetics and Breeding Member, UN International Committee on International Biological Programme (1969-75), International Committee on Plant Breeding Perspectives (1974-79), UNDP Project evaluation Committee (1987); Director, FAO/IAEA International Training Programme; Consultant, CIMMYT (1992), ICRISAT (1975, 1979, 1982).

Awards and Honours: Murty received SS Bhatnagar Prize (1972). He was a Fellow, Royal Statistical Society and Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, President, Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding; Foundation Fellow, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (India); Member, Biometric Society, British Genetic Society and American Statistical Association.