Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, also known as Ramesh Mashelkar, is a distinguished Indian Chemical Engineer born on January 1, 1943, in Marcel, Goa. Serving as the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), he played a pivotal role in advancing scientific research in India. Mashelkar held leadership positions in prestigious organisations, including the presidency of the Indian National Science Academy and the Institution of Chemical Engineers. He was also the President of the Global Research Alliance and the inaugural Chairperson of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR).

A globally esteemed figure, Mashelkar is a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng). His expertise was sought after by the Indian government, where he contributed to the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet. Mashelkar chaired high-powered committees on critical issues such as the national auto fuel policy and the overhaul of the Indian drug regulatory system.

Recognized for his academic contributions, Mashelkar received honorary doctorates from 45 universities worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the Universities of London, Salford, Pretoria, Wisconsin, Swinburne, Monash, and Delhi. He is a recipient of India’s highest civilian honours—Padma Shri (1991), Padma Bhushan (2000), and Padma Vibhushan (2014).

Mashelkar’s scientific focus includes transport phenomena, particularly in the thermodynamics of polymers and the engineering analysis of Non-Newtonian flows. His tireless dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation has earned him widespread respect and admiration, both in India and internationally.