Ajay Narendra

Ajay Narendra serves as Associate Professor and Research Training Director (HDR) at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences, where he leads research at the Pollinator Futures Research Centre. With an ORCID profile (0000-0002-1286-5373) and extensive publication record of 73 research outputs, his academic career spans multiple significant research projects and collaborations.

Dr. Narendra's research focuses on understanding animal navigation mechanisms, particularly in invertebrates with mini-nervous systems. His work spans behavioral studies and neural basis investigations of locomotory behaviors across diverse Australian and global invertebrate species. The research examines everything from fine-scale head and leg adjustments to complex navigation in challenging environments.

• Animal navigation systems
• Visual ecology of invertebrates
• Neural circuitry of goal-directed movement
• Effects of environmental factors on insect behavior
• Miniaturization limits in nervous systems
• Climate change impacts on pollinator species

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on ant navigation using celestial cues, visual physiology of Australian bees, and the relationship between movement patterns and pest control applications. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches combining behavioral observation, physiological measurements, and ecological analysis.

Dr. Narendra has received significant recognition for his work:

• Tall Poppy Science Award (2008)
• Executive Dean Award for Research Collaboration (2022)

He serves as Research Training Director (HDR), indicating his active role in supervising higher degree research students. His current projects include 'Overcoming limits of miniaturisation to enhance spatial memory capacities' (2022-2025) and 'Before the brink: sublethal effects of climate warming on native bee ecology' (2024-2027), demonstrating ongoing research leadership and funding success.

Dr. Narendra leads the Ecological Neuroscience research group (http://www.ecologicalneuroscience.com), which focuses on the intersection of animal behavior, neural mechanisms, and ecological context in invertebrate navigation systems.