Pathipati Usha Rani Elected RES Fellow

Dr. Pathipati Usha Rani is a senior principal scientist at the Biology and Biotechnology Division of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, a national research laboratory under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India. She is a newly elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, London, thus joining the ranks of such eminent scientists as Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

Usha Rani was notified in the month of March this year of her selection as Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (FRES). Fellows are nominated and selected for their significant contributions to insect science.

The Royal Entomological Society plays a national and international role in disseminating information about insects and improving communication among entomologists. Founded in London in 1833, it is a successor to a number of short-lived societies dating back to 1745. In 1885 Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter to the society. In the centennial year of 1933, King George V added the word "Royal" to the title of the organization.

In addition to FRES honor, Usha Rani received Best Woman Scientist Award from National Academy of Biological Sciences (2011), Hiyoshi Environmental Award (2008) from Japan and also has been elected as a Fellow of National Academy of Biological Sciences, India (2008), Best Scientist Award from Uttar Pradesh Zoological Society, India 2008, Editha David Memorial Award for the year 2007-2008, Dr. Jagadiswari Rao Award from the Applied Zoologists Research Association (2004) India for the outstanding research works in the area of applied Zoology.

Usha Rani established a total entomology and plant biotechnology lab in the institution and created several facilities for work in chemical ecology, plant biotechnology and entomology. Increased expertization in several related fields thus aiding many chemists in the institute. The facilities and expertise are utilized by several scientists from the institute as well as outside organizations within India and greatly appreciated for the scientific collaboration.

Usha Rani has made a significant contribution to the insect behavioral studies, and understanding the role of insect antennal and rostral sensilla in plant/prey location behavior, insect-plant interactions etc. Discovered 3 new types of insect sensilla for the 1st time. She has 32 years of research experience working on the development of alternate, safe and eco friendly pest management techniques to protect the environment from the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides. Developed several plant based compounds for insect as well as weed control and these compounds were patented. Contributed extensively for a detailed study on plant defense system at molecular and biochemical level and utilizing it in the pest management operations.

Usha Rani a native from India, holds a doctoral degree in Zoology (Entomology) from Osmania University, India and has post-doctoral research experience at National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Tsukuba, Japan, Insect science Division of Horticultural Research Institute, New Zealand. Forest and Forest Product Research Institute, Japan. She has published her work in more than 80 peer reviewed journals, chapters in 6 books, 2 popular articles in the general field of insect morphology, Kairomones, Biopesticides, insect-plant interactions and plant defense mechanisms in crop plants and has 5 Indian patents. Presently she is involved in nanoparticle research too.  She is actively engaged in promotion of science and particularly insect science and her interest on insects motivated her to make scientific educational documentary films (about 4) for television. “Insects the Marvel of Nature” the educational documentary film directed by Usha Rani was highly commended when telecasted from the national TV network all over the country and the Telugu regional language version of it received the prestigious ‘Golden Nandi’ award in the year 1987 from the State of Andhra Pradesh.