Rajiva Raman obtained MSc in Zoology, and PhD (1973) on evolutionary cytogenetics of rodents, both from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He joined Department of Zoology at BHU as Lecturer (1976) where he continues to work as Professor. He worked as Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellow in the Institute of Human Genetics, Berlin, Germany (1980-81; 2000), and Visiting Scientist in the Department of Genetics, University of Washington, USA (1986-87).

Academic and Research Achievements: Dr Raman discovered a novel sex chromosome mechanism in tree mouse, and established heterochromatin's role in sex-chromosomal evolution. His work on DNA replication using fibre autoradiography revealed the importance of firing replicon clusters and rate of fork migration in cell differentiation. His work on the molecular basis of sex determination in the lizard, especially the idea that genes may determine sex by temporally distinct mode of gene expression, has been of much significance. He also concentrated on the role of environment and genes in disease susceptibility in the human population from eastern region of India. He also guided 15 PhD students..

Other Contributions: Dr Raman along with some colleagues started the MSc course on Molecular & Human Genetics in BHU in 1999. He coordinated a Chromosomal and Molecular Diagnostic Unit in the University (2002) and later created a unit for research on Genetic Disorders (2006), both funded by DBT. He was instrumental in the creation of the Centre of Genetic Disorders (2008) in BHU where scientists and clinicians freely interact and collaborate. He has served as Member of Executive Council of INSA (2007-09)..

Awards and Honours: Dr Raman was awarded the SL Hora Medal, INSA (2006), and also the Indian Science Congress Platinum Jubilee Lecture Award (2007). He delivered the Professor SP Ray-Chaudhuri 75th Birthday Endowment Lecture of the Indian Society of Cell Biology (ISCB) (2004) and was elected its President (2005-07). He is Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; and the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad.