Sivatosh Mookerjee obtained his PhD (1951) from University of Edinburgh, UK specializing in development biology. He was the Professor and Head, Department of Zoology, Presidency College, Calcutta and Professor and Dean, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Academic and Research Achievements: Mookerjee contributed to the molecular and cellular basis of cell recognition and cell interactions in sponges. His other important researches relate to the molecular nature of subcellular and cellular restructurations of lower eukaryotes. His studies on freshwater sponges and hydra revealed the principles underlying the process of cell replacement in regeneration, cell association and its probable role in the evolution of multicellularity. His work on amphibian and chick embryos gave a new insight into pattern-building mechanisms.

Other Contributions: Mookerjee built up an active school of developmental biology in JNU. He served on editorial boards of: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology and Science & Culture.

Awards and Honours: Mookerjee received the Dorab Tata Gold Medal (1962); Joy Gobinda Law Memorial Gold Medal (1966); President, Zoology Section, Indian Science Congress (1967); UGC National Lecturer (1977); BC Roy Memorial Oration Gold Medal (1980); Har Swaroop Memorial Lecture Award (INSA) (1987). He was the Member, International of Developmental Biology and Asiatic Society and Life Member, Zoological Society, Kolkata.