Dakshina Ranjan Bhattacharya obtained his PhD degree (1924) from the University of Dublin, Republic of Ireland and DSc (1925) from the University of Paris, France. His specialization was in cytology and ichthyology. He was Head, Department of Zoology; Dean, Faculty of Science and Vice-Chancellor, University of Allahabad.

Academic and Research Achievements: In cytology, Bhattacharya's most significant contribution was the establishment of the phenomenon of infiltration of cytoplasmic inclusions in egg cells. He had, to his credit, many other important contributions in cytology and ichthyology.

Awards and Honours: Bhattacharya was President, Zoology Section of Indian Science Congress (1932) and also the President of National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad (1940-42). He was Fellow of Zoological Societies of France and India, and Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore.