Prof. Dr. Baldev Raj (✝︎)

Baldev Raj is currently Director and Distinguished Scientist, Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Department of Atomic Energy, Kalpakkam, India. He is Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute. He has rich experience in diverse areas of fast reactor science and technology in particular the development of materials, fabrication technologies, corrosion, nondestructive evaluation and structure-property correlations. In addition, his main contribution has been to make available the extensive experience and expertise of himself and his colleagues to a large number of applications in materials science and technology at national and international level.
After completing his Bachelors degree in metallurgy in 1969, he underwent advanced training and initial research experience at Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, India, 1970 – 1973, and was a visiting scientist at RISO National Laboratory, Denmark, 1973 – 1974. He had shifted to IGCAR in 1974 so as to lead research group on post-irradiation examination of materials. He had obtained his Ph.D. degree from Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, India. He had nucleated and nurtured a vibrant non-destructive evaluation group at IGCAR, for comprehensive research and applications.
His work has provided new insights into remote field, eddy current interactions with materials, evaluation of Barkhausen signals from steels, stability of ferromagnetic fluids and understanding of enhancement of thermal conductivity in nanofluids. With many innovations in sensors, robotics and image sensing, this group is known internationally for its pioneering contributions in non-destructive evaluation of materials, components and archaeology. Baldev Raj held many distinguished positions in the Center and had become the Director of the Center in 2004.