Former IBAB Governing Body member, Prof. M R S Rao passed away in Bangalore on 13 Aug 2023. 

Prof. Rao obtained his PhD from IISc, where he went on to become a faculty member, and also served as Chairman, the Centre for Genetic Engineering, and Chairman, the Department of Biochemistry. Subsequently, he became the President of JNCASR, Bengaluru, in which capacity he was a member of IBAB’s Governing Body for about 10 years. During this period and even up to his passing, Prof. Rao inspired all of us. Students from IBAB worked under his guidance and secured prestigious fellowships.  In addition to IBAB, Prof. Rao was associated with leading institutions across the world, including Harvard Medical School, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the University of California. In India, his expertise was utilised by DST, DBT and Karnataka Knowledge Commission. He received several awards and honours, including the Government of India’s Padma Shri. 

IBAB remembers his continual constructive engagement with the institute, and deeply condoles the passing of this eminent scientist.