Veronica Rodrigues (1953–2010)

0 By Prof. K. VIJAYRAGHAVAN, National Center for Biological Sciences , GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 065. India . ( - went to the new molecular biology labs to learn and apply these methods to their questions. Veronica instead chose to go to Tubingen, where she applied methods of identifying active regions of the brain to the study of olfactory information coding. On her return to the Tata Institute, Veronica began a programme to first chart the molecular, cellular and developmental biology of the olfactory sense organs and then of the antennal lobe. These studies have proved to be the foundations of the field, and a huge body of superb work from excellent groups all over the world, has emerged from this work. More recently, Veronicas work has focussed on how properties of neural networks emerge from their molecular and cellular composition. These studies, many of which have been published and others that will come out soon, show the ability to elegantly link gene expression, the cellular localization of key molecules, the communication between neurons and the behaviour of the animal. Such studies are the beginnings of our understanding of how the development of nerve cells is linked to behaviour. Passionate about science, Veronica saw it linking good ideas to doing well-thought-out experiments. Idle talk was not for her. The Tata Institutes liberal support to its faculty is meant to allow them to take on formidable questions that require time, thought and effort. While many forget the last word in this liberal ethos, Veronica was demanding on herself and on others to get good science done, written and published. Yet, her life was full of fun, generosity and inclusiveness. Young students started off feeling that the demands of excellence in thought and experiment were too high. Soon though, respect, admiration and affection evolved and they became her close friends. She hid from all but a few all the trials and challenges she personally faced. These were huge and real, but she always thought of them as matters requiring care and human attention but not as incapacitating or overwhelming. Veronica had strong views on science and its administration. Her impact on the Department of Biological Sciences at Mumbai and the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore were transformative: it is fair to call her their moral touchstone. In taking any decision, the question was asked if she would approve. With her gone, we will honour this pioneering scientist, a caring colleague and dear friend by working to keep our institutions spirited, demanding and yet places where it is a pleasure to address the most demanding questions. (...truncated)