Gummadithala Sri Krishna Rao obtained his PhD degree (1956) from the University of Bombay. His area of specialization was synthetic organic chemistry. He was Dean, Science Faculty; Chairman, Department of Organic Chemistry and Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; and CSIR Emeritus Scientist.

Academic and Research Achievements: Krishna Rao's contributions to organic chemistry cover landmark syntheses of several natural products of diverse structural variety, using indigenously available terpenes as chiral synthons. The syntheses include molecules of biogenetic and structural interest, bioactive compounds (e.g. juvabiones), their analogues and intermediate. His study of Vilmeier-Haack reaction, extending over a decade, led to its new and well-acclaimed synthetic applications.

Other contributions: Krishna Rao was a Member of National Organizing Committee, IUPAC; Research Advisory Council and Executive Committee, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow; Bureau of Indian Standards (PCDC 18:1) and Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehra Dun. He was also a Member, Editorial Board of Journal of the Indian Institute of Science.

Awards and Honours: Krishna Rao was a recipient of Guha Research Medal (1956). He was a Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore.