Padma Vibhushan metallurgist Palle Rama Rao, former DST Secretary and AERB Chairman, passes away at 89
Eminent metallurgist Prof. Palle Rama Rao, Padma Vibhushan (2011) awardee, former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, passed away in Hyderabad on 3 October 2026 at 89.
Summary
Prof. Palle Rama Rao, one of India's leading metallurgists, passed away in Hyderabad on 3 October 2026 at the age of 89. Born on 30 June 1937, he was Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, Secretary to the Government of India for the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Ocean Development, and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Rama Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad from 1999 to 2002, was known for his work in physical and mechanical metallurgy and received the Padma Vibhushan in 2011.
Key facts
- Person
- Prof. Palle Rama Rao
- Died
- 3 October 2026, Hyderabad (aged 89)
- Born
- 30 June 1937
- Field
- Physical and mechanical metallurgy
- Posts
- Director, DMRL Hyderabad; Secretary, DST and Dept of Ocean Development; Chairman, AERB
- University
- Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad (1999–2002)
- Honour
- Padma Vibhushan (2011)
- INAE
- Former President of INAE (2001–2002)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Prof. Palle Rama Rao, who passed away in October 2026, was a renowned scientist in which field?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Metallurgy