Narayan is the Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of the Natural Sciences at Harvard Univ., U.S.A. He obtained his PhD in 1979 at Bangalore Univ., India. He has made numerous contributions in many areas of astrophysics, notably in the field of black holes. His work spans theory, observations, and numerical simulations. His membership includes: Royal Society (London); National Academy of Sciences (USA); American Association for the Advancement of Science; and Honorary Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences.

Director, Natl. Inst. of Advanced Studies, Bangalore. Played a key leadership role to help India achieve a pre-eminent position in fast breeder nuclear reactors with closed fuel cycles. His tenure as Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), provided exceptional leadership for India in clean, critical and strategic technology. His contributions as Pres. of Indian Natl.Acad of Engg. have been recognized by the engineering profession as being visionary and impactful. Deep and effective engagement in areas ranging from cultural heritage to medical technology to education. He has authored over 1100 research papers in peer reviewed journals and wrote over 70 books and special journal volumes. He has also the rare distinction of being a Fellow of all the four Science and Engineering Academies in the country. He has been the Pres. Indian National Acad. of Engineering, Intl.Coun