Leading scientist P Rama Rao (file photo) will recieve the Defence Research and Develop-ment Organisation’s (DRDO’s) lifetime achievement award for 2011 from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here tomorrow. Prof. Rao (75) is being given the award in recognition of his exceptional contributions in a wide array of technology and management initiatives. His contributions to metallurgy and material science, in particular, have significantly enriched DRDO. Many novel materials developed under his stewardship are used today in strategic programmes and weapons. The silicon trophy for the best systems laboratory of DRDO will be given to Instruments Research and Development Establishment, Dehradun, for design and development of electro-optical fire control system for the Navy and other significant contributions in the field of night-vision devices. The titanium trophy for the best science laboratory of DRDO has gone to Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore, for developing innovative technologies for convenience food, food preservation, food packaging and processed food safety. Among the scientists who will receive technology leadership awards for 2011 are Mr A K Chakrabarti of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, for his outstanding contributions to the first submarine-launched ballistic missile system for the nuclear-powered platform Arihant, and Mr K Sekhar, who is the chief controller, research and development, DRDO headquarters. sns