Vladimir Andreevich Shevchenko
17 July 1936 - 29 July 2005
Vladimir Andreevich Shevchenko was born in the village of Dulovo, Kalininskaya oblast, in 1936. After secondary school, he graduated from Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy in 1960 and immediately started his scientific work, first as a senior laboratory assistant and subsequently as a junior scientist in the Laboratory of Radiation Genetics of the Institute of Biophysics, headed by academician N.P.Dubinin. From 1966 till his last breath he worked in the Vavilov Institute of General Genetics in Moscow. He got his Ph.D. degree in 1966, and in 1974 he became Doctor of Biological Sciences. In 1985, Dr. Shevchenko was awarded the title of Professor in Genetics. Since 1978 he was the head of the Laboratory of Radiation Genetics of the Institute of General Genetics.
Professor V.A.Shevchenko was a leading expert in the field of radiation genetics, radiobiology, and radioecology. He dedicated his entire life to research into radiation genetics of flora and fauna in the territory of East Urals Radioactive Trail, Semipalatinsk Test Site, Chernobyl, and other radiation-polluted areas. His research contributed greatly to the modern radiation genetics. He was instrumental in the description of the radio-adaptation phenomenon; he analysed microevolution processes taking place over a number of generations of radiation-exposed populations, and studied the dose-response relationship of genetic effects after exposure to various radionuclides.
Over many years V.A.Shevchenko was studying genetic effects in humans exposed to radiation.
Right after the Chernobyl accident Prof. Shevchenko organised cytogenetic examination of clean-up workers and residents of the contaminated area. Analysis of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes from more than 3000 persons was performed in order to assess the radiation exposure. The data obtained helped in the assessment of carcinogenic risks in exposed persons, and to estimate long-term hereditary effects. For his work in Chernobyl, V.A.Shevchenko was honoured with the Order of Red Labour Standard.
Over the last 15 years Professor Shevchenko was leading the project on cytogenetic examinations of residents of Altai region, exposed to nuclear bomb tests at Semipalatinsk, and victims of radionuclide contamination of the Techa River. The results of these studies enabled dose reconstruction after 40-45 years from exposure.
In 1995, V.A. Shevchenko, as an expert, took part in the examination of the victims of Three Mile Island accident, occurred in 1979, assessing absorbed radiation doses.
For a long time he was studying the effects of space flight environment on various biological objects. He selected high-yield strains of Chlorella algae for air regeneration systems to be used for long-term space missions and acquired a certificate of authorship. Over recent years, along with his associates, Prof. Shevchenko was participating in cytogenetic studies of space crews from MIR station and International Space Station, developing biological dosimetry and assessing genetic consequences of long-term space missions.
Together with his colleagues from the Topchiev Institute of Nonchemical Synthesis RAS, Professor V.A.Shevchenko took part in developing and testing various efficient antimutagens (3 inventions patented).
Vladimir Andreevich Shevchenko is also known as an expert in water ecosystems. In 1989 he was co-author of the book "Ecology of sea phototrophic phikoplankton", as a result of the expedition to the Atlantic Ocean on the research ship called "Professor Vernadsky".
Professor Shevchenko was a brilliant organiser and a great populariser of science. He is author of 420 scientific publications, 7 monographs, and 8 patents in the field of radiation genetics and radioecology. He was organiser and inspirer of numerous scientific conferences and symposiums, which were enthusiastically attended by scientists and experts from all over the world to discuss urgent problems of radiation genetics and radiobiology.
Beyond the scientific research activity, V.A.Shevchenko was a master in his field. He created a scientific school in the field of radiation genetics, and was scientific advisor of 26 Ph.D. theses.
V.A.Shevchenko had a reputation as an outstanding highly skilled expert, able to raise important questions and to solve them, to inspire his associates, and to lead them in accomplishing the tasks set forth.
The achievements of Professor V.A.Shevchenko are highly appreciated by the native and international biological communities. In recognition of his eminent progress in radiation genetics, he was awarded the N.V.Timoffeef-Ressovsky Medal in 2003.
V.A.Shevchenko was corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, honoured scientist of the Russian Federation, president of Russian Radiobiological Community, member of Russian Nuclear Community, chairman of Genetic section of the Moscow Society of Nature Investigators, member of the International Union of Radioecology (Belgium), presidium member of Eco-Ethics International Union (Germany), and for many years a member of the editorial board of the journal "Radiobiology and Radioecology".
Vladimir Andreevich had a bright mind and many-sided personality. Not only was he a brilliant scientist, but also an artist and connoisseur of minerals. One of his merits was his respectful and friendly attitude towards his colleagues, friends, and the people surrounding his life. He was always ready to provide assistance and believed that benevolence and mutual understanding were the corner stone for every scientific team. He will be sorely missed by the scientific community, his friends, and relatives.