Krishnarao Raghavendra Rao received his BSc and MSc (1957), both from Mysore University, and PhD (1969) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He was in the first batch of trainees of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. He was also a Colombo Plan Fellow at Chalec Rica Melen Lab (1959-61), and NRC-NASc Postdoctoral Research Associate at Water Town Arsenal (1970-72). He spent his professional career (1958-96) at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), rising to the position of Director, Solid State Physics & Spectroscopy Group.

Academic and Research Achievements: Dr Rao conducted experimental studies on phonon measurements in a large number of materials and also studied the Kohn anomalies. He also worked for the design and development of neutron spectrometer. He mentored 6 PhD students on various topics of phonon physics and neutron beam research.

Other Contributions: Dr Rao functioned as Consulting Editor of the journal Current Science in 1999.

Awards and Honours: Dr Rao was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore.