Professor Bal Krishna Agrawal obtained his BSc, MSc, DPhil and DSc degrees from University of Allahabad. He joined the Physics Department of Allahabad University in January 1961 as a Lecturer and retired from there as Professor and Head of Physics Department in 1999. He worked as a Professor of Research in Physics of CNRS in France during 1978-79 and was also invited as Senior Visiting Fellow of SERC, UK during 1979-80.

Academic and Research Achievements: Professor Agrawal started his research career in Allahabad University. He initiated a new special course on condensed matter physics of quite high level for MSc final year students. He established a computer laboratory, which possesses high-speed computer configurations with large memories suitable for performing first principles calculations for complex systems. He worked on thermal transport in solids and has shown the dominant role of phonon normal processes in the thermal conductivity of semiconductors and insulators. He also contributed to the physics of electron and phonons in materials of different characteristics. He propounded a new 'Continue Random Network Theory' for the phonons in oxide glasses. Professor Agrawal has predicted the structural, dynamical, electronic and optical properties of various types of complex systems like surfaces, superlattices, quantum wire and nano tubes, quantum films and quantum dots. He also predicted the enhancement of superconducting transition temperature in hole doped fullerenes. Most recently, he has discussed the physics of water flowing through the carbon nanotubes for its application in the purification of water and its role in biosystems. He has published more than 200 research articles. He mentored more than 20 DPhil and DSc students.

Awards and Honours: Fellow, National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad