Dr. A V Rama Rao graduated in Chemical Technology ( pharmaceutical and fine chemicals) from the Department of Chemical Technology, Bombay University in 1960. He moved to Pune, where he obtained his Ph.D (1960-64) worked under the supervision of Prof K Venkataraman at the National Chemical Laboratory. He then undertook a postdoctoral assignment at Harvard University (1975-76). Whilst working in E J Corey's (Nobel Laureate) research group, he developed a keen interest in the syntheses of complex natural products with biological activity. On his return to India, he established a research group at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune - the start of a career, which is marked by some amazing achievements in the syntheses of some complex natural products. Rama Rao moved from NCL to take on the post of Director of the Regional Research Laboratory, Hyderabad (1985) which was later renamed the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) during his tenure. Rama Rao retired as the Director of IICT and founded Avra Laboratories in 1995. In 1991, the President of India conferred upon him the "Padmashree".

Career Highlights

Contributions to chemistry
      Rama Rao's work on the isolation, structure elucidation of natural products and the syntheses of complex natural products is described in 262 research papers and 30 patents.

Commitment to educations
      109 students have obtained their PhD degrees in chemistry working under the supervision of Rama Rao.

Contributions to the chemical Industry
      Developed more than 50 drug technologies commercialized by the pharmaceutical industry.

Involvement with the International Policy making Organizations
      Member, Scientific & Technical Advisory Committee of the UNDP/World Bank/WHO special program for research and training in tropical diseases (1992-95); Titular member of IUPAC Sectional Committee, Medicinal Chemistry Division (1988-91); Member, Technical Advisory Committee on CFC Destruction Technologies of the United Nations Environmental Protection Agency; Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and Third World Academy of Sciences.