Hyderabad: Dr B Nirmala, Principal Scientist at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (Naarm), has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) in recognition of her contributions to agricultural and plant sciences. Dr Nirmala, a 2007 Agricultural Research Service (ARS) batch officer, had served at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. According to ICAR-NAARM, Dr Nirmala has also received the Dr R.T. Doshi Award for best research paper, the young scientist award from the Society of Extension Education, and Fellow or Associate Fellow recognition from the Telangana Academy of Sciences. As principal investigator of technology dissemination programmes, she coordinated 12,468 frontline demonstrations across the country to promote improved agricultural practices aimed at reducing cultivation costs. She has also organised 65 training programmes and guided 14 postgraduate and three doctoral students.