Usha Nayar received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, University of Allahabad, India in 1973. 
She is the former Provost of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India. 
Her areas of specialization are developmental social psychology; social research with a special focus on qualitative methodologies; social issues related to vulnerable and marginalized groups; media, information, and communication technology for the social sciences; capacity building of organizations and self-help groups; and building social capital in communities. 

Dr. Nayar has been an expert for World Health Organization in the area of Mental Health and Social Change. Besides this, she has worked closely with United Nations' bodies as well as international networks in building and sustaining child friendly policies and research. Among other international board and consultancy roles, Dr. Nayar has contributed to the formulation of many policies in India, such as the National Youth Policy, National Policy for Population and Family Welfare, and the National Child Labor Policy.

Dr. Nayar’s most recent research studies include: “Empowering Slum Communities in Mumbai: Understanding Participation of Children from Children’s Perspective” (An Asia Pacific Region study that includes India, Thailand, Australia, China and  Sri Lanka); “The Influence of Information and Communication Technologies on Children and Adolescents’ Life;” “New Information Technology and the Young Generation: Evolving Identities and Values in Mediated Environments;” “Building and Bridging Social Capital in Urban Slums Settings;” “Health Status of Adolescents and Youth in Greater Mumbai;” and 
“Social Development of Adolescents.”

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