Dr Radha, Assistant Professor at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University, has been elected as a Fellow (FLS) of the Linnean Society of London, one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed institutions devoted to natural history and life sciences.
The honour recognises her pioneering research in botany, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and phytochemistry. Her studies document traditional medicinal knowledge among tribal communities and migratory shepherds of the north-western Himalayas, while also exploring the biochemical composition and pharmacological potential of plants used in traditional healthcare.
Election as a Fellow of the Linnean Society is a distinguished international recognition, awarded to scientists who have made significant contributions to biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology, and other branches of biological research. The society counts leading experts from across the globe among its Fellows.
Dr Radha’s recognition underscores the global significance of Himalayan research and brings international visibility to India’s botanical sciences. It is expected to open avenues for collaborative research in biodiversity conservation and plant science.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr Radha said the honour would inspire her to continue research on Himalayan biodiversity, medicinal plants, and traditional ecological knowledge, vital for sustainable healthcare and rural livelihoods. She thanked Shoolini University Chancellor Prof P.K. Khosla, Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, and Dean of Sciences Prof Sunil Puri for their guidance, while acknowledging the encouragement from the university community.
Founded in 1788 and named after Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, the Linnean Society of London has played a historic role in advancing biological sciences, including hosting the first public presentation of the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in 1858.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
