Dr. B. Venkateswara Rao obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) in 1990 under the supervision of Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. A. V. Rama Rao. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral research at Duke University, USA (1990–1992) under the guidance of Late Prof. Bert Fraser-Reid.

Dr. Rao joined CSIR-IICT as a Scientist and progressed through distinguished scientific leadership roles, retiring as Chief Scientist in 2020. He continued his association with the institute as an Emeritus Scientist until 2025.

His research expertise includes development of novel synthetic methodologies, carbohydrate chemistry, process research, and the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Dr. Rao has an outstanding research record, with 125 peer-reviewed publications, 11 patents, and supervision of 33 Ph.D. scholars. He has successfully executed several national and international research projects and has served as a consultant to multiple Indian pharmaceutical and chemical companies, contributing to both academic excellence and industrial innovation.