Punyabrata Bhattacharya obtained his PhD degree (1938) from the University of Edinburgh, UK. His areas of specialization were poultry science, animal genetics and animal husbandry He was Head, Division of Animal Genetics; Assistant Director, Indian Verterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Livestock Development Adviser and Animal Husbandry Commissioner to the Government of India; and Member of National Commission on Agriculture.

Academic and Research Achievements: Bhattacharya was a pioneering researcher on animal genetics and animal reproductive biology in India. A renowned expert in animal husbandry, Bhattacharya was responsible for initiation and development of research on artificial insemination and its introduction in the field on a countrywide basis. His work on the behaviour of ring chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster and on the control of ovulation in cow by hormonal treatment was highly acclaimed.

Other Contributions: Bhattacharya was a Member of National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India.

Awards and Honours: Bhattacharya was a recipient of Spallanzani Medal by International Society of Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination. He was President, Zoology Section of Indian Science Congress (1958); Honorary Foreign Fellow, Italian Society of Animal Husbandry (1957); Member, Indian Poultry Science Association (President, 1965-69, Patron); Indian Dairy Science Association (President, 1968-73); and Patron in Chief, Indian Society of Animal Genetics and Breeding (President 1978).