Thirumalachari Ramasami

Dr. Thirumalachari Ramasami
Dr. Ramasami at the 100th Indian Science Congress, Kolkata.
Indian Science & Technology Secretary
In office May 2006 – 5 May 2014
Personal details
Born	April 15, 1948 (age 68)
Occupation	Scientist
Awards	Padma Shri 2001 Padma Vibhushan 2014

Thirumalachari Ramasami is the former Indian Science and Technology Secretary. He assumed charge in May 2006. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, India. He is a distinguished researcher and leather scientist. He was awarded India's National Civilian Honour the Padma Shri for excellence in Science and Engineering in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014. He was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, the highest award for science in India, for notable and outstanding research in Chemical Sciences in 1993.

He graduated in Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) from G.S. Hindu High School, Srivilliputtur in 1963, Pre-University from St.Joseph's College, Trichy in 1964, Bachelor and Master of Technology in Leather Technology from the University of Madras in 1969 and 1972, respectively with first rank and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Leeds, England in January 1976.

He carried out post-doctoral research in energy at the Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University USA during 1978–80 and on electron transport phenomena at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA during 1981–83. He was a visiting Fellow at University of Newcastle upon Tyne during 1983–84.

He holds 37 patents of which 12 have been commercialised. He has authored more than 220 research publications, eight chapters in books, and numerous general articles.

He came back to India in 1984 and joined as the Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, the world's largest leather research institute.(He said in an interview to RSTV (programme name is "Eureka") that one's achievements should be socially recognised and this can be well achieved on your motherland.) As Director of CLRI, he prepared a vision document for CLRI – CLRI Vision 2005, directed the Leather Technology Mission with 170 projects in 17 states of India, reengineering CLRI, new models for development and measures for collective decision making. Led CLRI in providing cleaner tanning technology options for a group of 764 tanneries in a record time of 12 months. Led the Indian initiative in forecasting colours for Modeurop Congress gaining India, a niche status in the fashion world. India is now preparing the shade card for the world. Galvanized and led CLRI in a growth path since 1996 in the capacity as Director. Prepared a vision, mission and action document for leading the growth of CLRI and gaining for India global leadership in leather by way of original publications, IPR generation and technologies delivered. He helped CLRI register a meaningful outcome on Indian Leather Sector during 1996–2004. Dramatic increases in outputs of CLRI have been registered during the Directorship since 1996.