Prof U R Rao, noted Space Scientist and former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary, Department of Space has been awarded the prestigious "A V Rama Rao Technology Award" for the year 2007. This award, which is given to an eminent scientist/technologist who has contributed immensely to the national goal, has been instituted by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, in collaboration with AVRA Laboratories Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad. The earlier recipients of this award are: Prof M S Swaminathan(2004), Prof M M Sharma (2005) and Dr Sam Pitroda (2006). The award, which carries a cash award of Rs one lakh and a citation, will be presented to Prof Rao on Technology Day on May 12, 2008 at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.