Atomic scientist professor Baldev Raj passes away

BENGALURU: Atomic scientist Prof Baldev Raj, 70, passed away in Pune early on Saturday while attending a conference in Pune. Having held several key posts, Raj was serving as the direction, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, since 2014.
His death was sudden and no immediate confirmation about the cause was available, even as it was clear that he was healthy and fit to travel to attend the conference.
Pursuits of Prof Raj in basic science and applications with multi and interdisciplinary approaches and teams have been regarded as substantial contributions in the domains of energy, cultural heritage, medical technologies, nanoscience and technology and education.
“He has provided unique interpretations and solutions to challenges in energy, water, healthcare, manufacturing and national strategic unsolvable in a large measure, with clear impact, distinctions and awards. He is acclaimed for his contributions to science and technology of measurements and Sodium Fast Reactors and Associated Fuel Cycle,” his official profile reads.
Under his leadership, NIAS expanded considerably in terms of faculty strength and research grants. The former Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam had also helped advance several challenging technologies, especially those related to the fast breeder test reactor (FBTR) and the prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR).
The man who nurtured schools of global stature in nuclear materials and mechanics, non-destructive evaluation, nanoscience and technology, robotics and automation is also responsible for providing solutions to many unsolved problems in strategic and security sectors.
He has authored around 1,000 academic papers in peer reviewed journals and more than 70 books, and has been recognized by more than 100 awards and assignments in more than 30 countries.