P Hanumantha Rao given extension as DG- SAMEER, MeitY
Dr. P Hanumantha Rao has been re-appointment as Director General- SAMEER, MeitY for a period of two years from 01.03.2026 i.e. beyond the date of his attaining normal age of superannuation (60 years) by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).
Dr. Hanumantha Rao is a distinguished Indian scientist and technology leader whose work over nearly four decades has significantly advanced the fields of RF systems, antennas, and computational electromagnetics. With deep expertise spanning 5G and emerging 6G RF technologies, high-performance computing, mixed signal systems design, metamaterials, electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures, and EMI mitigation techniques, he has consistently contributed to mission-critical research with both strategic and civilian impact.
Currently serving as Director General at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an R&D institution under the Government of India, Dr. Rao provides strategic direction to cutting-edge programs in advanced microwave and electromagnetic technologies. His leadership reflects a rare combination of scientific depth and programmatic vision, shaped by decades of hands-on research and institution building.
Dr. Rao’s scientific journey began after completing his B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Sri Venkateswara University (1983–1987) and an M.S. in Electronics from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. He later earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast (1999–2002), further strengthening his theoretical foundation in antenna systems and electromagnetics. A British Commonwealth Scholar and a UNDP Fellow under an Indo-USA collaborative program in 1992, he has consistently combined academic rigor with practical innovation.
His early professional years at the Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad (1987–1990), were devoted to the design and development of slotted array antennas for microwave remote sensing applications. He contributed to the synthesis and analysis of linear and planar array antennas—work that laid a strong foundation for India’s microwave and space-based communication capabilities.
Since joining SAMEER in 1990, Dr. Rao has been central to its evolution into a premier centre for advanced electromagnetic research. As Scientist at the Centre for Electromagnetics and later as Program Director of the mmWave Centre at SAMEER Kolkata, he has led large multidisciplinary teams in the execution of mission-critical projects. His responsibilities have included project and program management, collaborative initiatives in advanced technologies, and the development of strategic systems for national applications.
A major focus of his research has been the development of mission-critical antennas and RF systems. Over the years, he has developed numerous novel antennas for a wide range of strategic and civilian applications. His work on arbitrary polarization theory for antennas stands out as a noteworthy contribution, offering greater flexibility and performance optimization in complex electromagnetic environments.
Dr. Rao has been actively engaged in the research and development of next-generation communication technologies, including 5G and 6G RF and antenna systems. His contributions span computational electromagnetics and high-performance computing frameworks that enable accurate modeling and simulation of advanced electromagnetic structures. Through collaborative research with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he has further strengthened the theoretical and computational dimensions of electromagnetic analysis in India.
His pioneering research in metamaterials and electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures has significantly influenced mixed signal system design and EMI mitigation techniques. By exploring engineered materials and band gap structures, he has helped address complex interference challenges in high-density electronic systems. His involvement in next-generation electronic miniaturization, particularly “System on Package” (SoP) technologies, reflects his forward-looking approach to integrated system design and compact high-performance electronics.
Dr. Rao’s global academic exposure includes his tenure as a Visiting Scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, USA—an experience that broadened his international collaborations and deepened his engagement with advanced RF and antenna research ecosystems.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Rao has authored and co-authored more than 150 papers in IEEE and IEE journals, transactions, and international conferences. He received the IEEE Best Paper Award in 2008, a recognition of the originality and impact of his work. A Senior Member of IEEE and an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for the Antennas and Propagation Society, he continues to contribute to the global research community. He also serves as a reviewer for more than eleven IEEE and IET transactions and journals, playing a critical role in maintaining the quality and rigor of scholarly publications.
Beyond his technical achievements, Dr. Rao is widely respected for his mentorship and institution-building efforts. His leadership style emphasizes scientific excellence, collaborative engagement, and mission-oriented research. Under his guidance, programs at SAMEER have aligned closely with national priorities in advanced communications, strategic electronics, and indigenous technology development.
With over 35 years of continuous service in research, development, and program execution, Dr. Hanumantha Rao’s career reflects sustained dedication to advancing India’s capabilities in electromagnetics and RF engineering. His work bridges theory and application, laboratory research and field deployment, and national priorities with global scientific engagement. Through his scientific contributions, leadership roles, and commitment to collaborative innovation, he has quietly but meaningfully shaped the trajectory of advanced electromagnetic research in India.
Indian Bureaucracy Network wishes Dr. P Hanumantha Rao the very best.