Iqbal Singh Bhatia obtained his PhD degree (1949) from John Hopkins University, USA. His specialization was in organic chemistry and biochemistry. He was Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry-Biochemistry (1966-71), Senior Professor and Head (1972-76), Professor of Biochemistry and Head, Department of Biochemistry (1976-79), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana; and Associate Director, Food Technology, Directorate of Food Technology, Processing and Marketing (1979-82).

Academic and Research Achievements: Bhatia made significant contributions to plant and animal biochemistry. His research on fructosan biosynthesis, cardiolipin metabolism, polyphenols in tea fermentation, structural and reserve carbohydrates of roughages, rumen biochemistry, lipid metabolism of mammary glands and of erucic acid in small animals have significantly advanced our knowledge.

Other Contributions: Bhatia was a Member of Editorial Boards of: J Res; PAU's extension publication; Journal of Chemical Science (Guru Nanak Dev University), and Indian Journal of Animal Research. He also served on Board of Studies of Punjabi University (Patiala), Guru Nanak Dev University, Kurukshetra University, etc. He was a Member of INSA Council (1989-91).

Awards and Honours: Bhatia was a Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (London); and Member of Sigma Xi (USA); Biochemical Society (London); Society of Biological Chemists (India); Society of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry; Indian Chemical Society; and Nutrition Society of India.