Professor A. Rahman, who breathed his last at his residence in Okhla, New Delhi on November 5, 2009, following a prolonged illness, was a well-known science policy scientist. Before 1947, during his student days, he was a freedom fighter. He was a graduate in science from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Aligarh, and completed his post graduation studies in science from Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Bangalore. Because of his excellence in science studies and social awareness for science he was selected for Tata Memorial award for studies abroad. He went to England for higher studies and remained there for two years. In England he came in contact with great scientists of the time including G.D. Bernal.
After coming back to India, he joined Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as Information Scientist and later on rendered his services in various capacities in Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore and Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee. At CSIR headquarters, he was Chief Planning Officer and developed capabilities for resource survey and planning. He took various initiatives for planning of scientific and technological research.
He was a member of India Commission of History of Science and Technology set up by Indian National Science Academy (INSA). He was also elected Chairman of International Commission on Science Policy (ICSP). He was also Chairman of a Committee on Science Popularisation under Traqqi Urdu Board (now known as NCPUL) New Delhi. Through his efforts CSIR started publishing a Urdu science journal Science ki Duniya in 1975, now well recognised as the oldest and most popular Urdu science journal after Independence. He continued to be its supervisor till he retired from CSIT in 1985.
He was founder Director of the National Institute of Science Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), CSIR. He organised various societies and was named Chairman of a number of them. As a social activist, he involved young scientists and other people to create a social movement in favour of scientific temper. Because of his contribution to the understanding of the social implications of Science and Technology, he was awarded Padam Shri by Government of India.
Prof. Rahman had to his credit more than two dozen books and about 200 articles on history of science policy and issues related to science and technology interaction. He is survived by his wife and two sons.