D M Bose (1885–1975) obtained his Ph D in physics from the Berlin University in 1919, where he designed a modified Wilson type cloud chamber. Besides extending Sir J C Bose’s plant physiology investigations, Bose also made significant contributions to the field of magneto-chemistry. He joined the Bose Institute as Director in 1938 and served the Institute with distinction until he retired in 1967. Apart from his academic interests, Bose took a keen interest in the progress of social and cultural organisations in the country – for several years he held the post of Editor-in-Chief of Science & Culture. He was also deeply interested in the history of science and was the editor of the Indian Journal of History of Science when it first started in 1966.

S N Sen (1918–1992) was Registrar of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Calcutta from 1947 to 1978. Working for the UNESCO from 1947 to 1949, he came in contact with Sir Joseph Needham, who kindled Prof Sen’s interest in the history of science. He wrote Vijnaner Ithihas (History of Science in Bengali) which won him the Rabindra Puraskar in 1955-56 and was the editor of Science & Culture from 1952 to 1982. He took keen interest in programmes on history of sciences in India and completed several important projects after his retirement. He was associated with the INSA as a scientist until the day he died.

B V Subbarayappa was formerly Executive Secretary of the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi; Project Coordinator and Member Secretary of the National Commission for the History of Science in India; and Director of the Discovery of India Project at the Nehru Centre, Bombay. He was the President of the Science Division of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science (1997–2001). He is also the recipient of Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bologna, Italy; Copernicus Medal from the Polish Academy of Sciences; and R C Gupta Endowment Prize and Medal (2003) for History of Science from the National Academy of Sciences, India in Allahabad.