Radhakrishnan is an Indian scientist. He is chairman of the Indian Institutes of Engineering Science and Technology, having taken the position in December 2014, and is chairman for the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology. Radhakrishnan previously served as chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) between 2009 and 2014.He is a life fellow of the Indian Geophysical Union and is also an accomplished vocalist (Carnatic music) and Kathakali artist. Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on August 29, 1949 at Irinjalakuda, Kerala. Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on August 29, 1949 at Irinjalakuda, Kerala. He graduated in Electrical Engineering from Kerala University (1970), completed his PGDM from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (1976) and obtained Doctorate for his thesis titled “Some Strategies for Indian Earth Observation System” from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (2000).

He started his career as an avionics engineer in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre , Thiruvananthapuram (VSSC). He also held the important positions for International level as Vice chairman of intergovernmental oceanographic commission, chairman of the working group of the whole UN-COPOUS STSC. He was also the founder chairman of Indian Ocean Global Ocean observing system. In 2014, Radhakrishnan received the Padma Bhushan Award for his contribution to Science and Engineering, especially in the field of Space Science and Technology.