Rajendra Narain Saxena obtained BSc and MSc from Lucknow University and then joined Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi where he did his PhD (1964) working on `avian reproduction and endocrinology’ under the supervision of Professor JP Thapliyal. After working for one year as INSA Postdoctoral Fellow, he joined Zoology Department, Delhi University as Lecturer (1965), served there for almost 40 years and retired as Professor. He then worked as INSA Senior Scientist and INSA Honorary Scientist in the same Department. He was also at Tokyo University as Postdoctoral Fellow with Professor H Kobayabhi (1968-70).

Academic and Research Achievements: Saxena established an Avain Endocrinology Laboratory at Delhi University and also strengthened teaching and research on comparative endocrinology. He established the mechanism of photoperiod-induced hypothalamic and pineal-mediated regulation of seasonal reproduction in avian species. His studies showed temporal relationship between neurotransmitter and neuropeptide-induced hypothalamic GnRH secretion that control pituitary gonadotropin release. He undertook collaborative research programmes with leading Japanese universities namely Tokyo, Waseda and Hiroshima universities. He visited South Korea, UK and Hong Kong under Exchange programmes and delivered lectures as Visiting Scientist in universities at USA, Canada, Thailand, Australia, etc. He also guided 31 PhD and 3 postdoctoral students and published over 100 papers and review articles.

Other Contributions: Professor Saxena was an active member of the Executive Council of Asia and Oceania Society of Comparative Endocrinology. He served as Member/Chairman of many committees of UGC-SAP. He was also nominated member of various international Endocrinological Societies.

Awards and Honours: Saxena received the Hari Om Trust Award (1991), GC Ghosh Memorial Award (1995), and Sir Brambell Memorial Lecture Award (1993). He was elected President of the Indian Society of General and Comparative Endocrinology and Indian Society of Environmental Endocrinology. He was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad (1999).