Dr. Nair received his PhD in the Faculty of Medicine, from the University of London, England. In 1976, the University of London awarded him the DSc in the Faculty of Science - the highest degree the university awards - in recognition of his contributions in the field of radiation and perinatal pharmacology.
Prior to joining the Chicago Medical School, he was a member of the faculties of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, University of Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology. From 1963 until 1971, he was Director of Neuropharmacology and Biochemistry Laboratories and Director of Therapeutic Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, with a joint faculty appointment at the Chicago Medical School. In 1971, Dr. Nair joined the Chicago Medical School full time, as Professor of Pharmacology and Vice-Chairman of the Department. He was appointed Dean of the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Dean of Research in 1976. In 1999, his title was changed to Vice President for Research and Dean. In 2001, the University bestowed on him the highest honor of Distinguished Professor. His research contributions span a wide range of interests and include central nervous system pharmacology, developmental pharmacology, radiation pharmacology and chronopharmacology. He is the author of over 100 publications.
Dr. Nair received the Morris L. Parker Award for Distinction in Medical Research in 1972 from The Chicago Medical School. He was elected Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1978 and Member of the prestigious Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C., in 1978.