CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) director AD Damodaran, who was a reputed scientist as well as the former director of the NIIST, passed away in Thiruvananthapuram at the age of 87. He also served as the Chairman of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
An accomplished material scientist, Damodaran served for a while with the Nuclear Fuels Complex, Hyderabad, as well as a visiting scientist at both the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Indian Institute of Metals before joining CSIR-NIIST as director. It was established in May 1985 and he served in that capacity for twelve years. He was also the chairman of the public sector Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) and an expert in the field of Intellectual Property Rights, food nutrition, nutraceuticals, and advanced materials.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences on the demise of Damodaran, who also happens to be the son-in-law of EMS Namboothiripad, Marxist theoretician and the first chief minister of the state. In addition to his research, Damodaran was also an accomplished educator.He was known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students, and he had a gift for inspiring the next generation of scientists. Damodaran’s work had a wide-ranging impact, not only within the scientific community but also in the broader society.
Damodaran will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking research, but also for his dedication to teaching and his ability to inspire others. He was an exceptional scientist, but he was also a mentor, a role model, and a friend to many. His passing is a great loss to the scientific community and to the world at large. Damodaran’s work experience was marked by a long string of achievements and contributions to the field of science. His research and discoveries had a significant impact on the field and on the broader society. He was a dedicated researcher and teacher, who inspired many to pursue a career in science.