Mikhail Maksimovich Severnev (21.11.1921, v. Sever, Belynichi district, Mogilev region – 04.04.2012), a scientist in the field of agricultural mechanization, statesman. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (2003), Academician of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences (1978), Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (1991), Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Belarus (1992–2002), Doctor of Engineering Sciences (1964), Professor (1969). Participant of the Great Patriotic War and partisan movement in Belarus.
Scientific work in the field of reliability and durability of agricultural machinery, energy saving in agriculture. Contributed to the development of agricultural technology, the theory of friction and wear machines and mechanisms, their performance and durability. Developed the theory of energy evaluation of machines and technologies of agricultural production. He proposed methods and means of maintenance of agricultural equipment, resource conservation, the use of renewable energy sources in production processes and proposed new solar systems for heating air and water.
Author of over 480 scientific papers, incl. 11 monographs, 40 copyright certificates and patents for inventions.
State Prize of the BSSR in 1978 for the development of technology and reapers for harvesting dead grain.
Awarded with the Order of the October Revolution (1971), the Red Banner of Labor (1973, 1978), the Red Star (1944), World War of the II degree (1985), the Badge of Honor (1966), the Francisk Skaryna Medal (2002), other medals.