Shen Yunfen, female, Han nationality, is a native of Shanghai. She was born in 1933, attended Nanjing University, and obtained a vice doctor¨s degree from the USSR Animal Research Institute. She was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Science in 1955.

Shen has been engaged in the study of ecological toxicology. Her research is characterized by the innovative integration of protozoology classification and ecology, so as to better conform to the development requirements of the national economy. In the past 40 years, she has carried out systemic research on protozoa's grouping areas and families, investigated the regional and family distributions in 22 provinces and areas, authenticated almost 2000 species and 35 new species, and compiled over 10 books. Her book entitled "Protozoa of Tibet Plateau" has been praised by her foreign colleagues as a classic in the field.

In her book--"Protozoa of Tibet Plateau", she described 458 kinds of Tibetan protozoans, among which 80% are totally new with 12 new species.