Palle Rama Rao, a distinguished Indian metallurgist and TWAS Fellow since 1999, passed away on 3 October 2026.

He obtained his Master of Science in nuclear physics from Andhra University in 1957, and his PhD in physics and metallurgy from Banaras Hindu University in 1964, where he subsequently became a professor of physical metallurgy. 

He also served as director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory in Hyderabad, secretary in the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India, and chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He was also a member of the Atomic Energy Commission.

His scientific work covered X-ray diffraction, structural defects in crystalline solids, the mechanical behaviour of materials at elevated temperatures, fracture and fatigue phenomena, and the development of advanced alloys.

Honours he received include the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. In addition, he was awarded the Meghnad Saha Medal by the Indian National Science Academy, and the Platinum Medal by the Indian Institute of Metals.

A Fellow of national and international academies, Rao served as president of the Indian Academy of Sciences, the Indian National Academy of Engineering, and the Indian Institute of Metals. He was also a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), the National Academy of Engineering (USA), the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, and the Indian National Science Academy.

Cristina Serra