Nikolay Afanasyevich Laman (b. 01.01.1941, v. Zagorje, Korelichi district, Grodno region), a scientist in the field of experimental botany. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (2003; corresponding member since 1996), Doctor of Biological Sciences (1993), Professor (2000). Honorary Doctor of the Grodno State Agrarian University (2008).

The main works on the production processes of plants, the study of morphophysiological patterns of formation and functioning of highly productive and stable agrocenoses of agricultural crops, ecological and physiological bases for increasing their productivity. Formed the concept of biological productivity potential as a new methodological approach to the analysis of the patterns of agrophytocenosis formation, cognition of the characteristics of the relationship and integration of individual functional systems of the plant in the production process. He put forward the hypothesis that the main factor in the discontinuity in the evolution of the biota of planet Earth is the periodic changes in the mode of solar radiation at its surface, i.e. alternation of life development stages in conditions of continuous cloud cover (diffuse lighting, shadowless light) and in conditions when the earth’s surface reaches direct sunlight (a medium that is heterogeneous in solar radiation, and has strong light gradients). He is working to create ways to limit the spread of the malicious invasive species of the Sosnovsky Hogerwood, cheap environmentally friendly import-substituting substrates from local organo-mineral raw materials for growing vegetable and flower-decorative crops.

Author of more than 350 scientific papers, incl. 5 monographs, 5 books, 20 inventions and patents, 11 recommendations and industry regulations.

Awarded with the Diploma of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus (2014).

Major papers:

1. Биологический потенциал ячменя (устойчивость к полеганию и продуктивность). Мн.: Наука и техника, 1984 (совм. с Н.Н.Стасенко, С.А.Каллер).
2. Потенциал продуктивности хлебных злаков (технологические аспекты реализации). Мн.: Наука и техника, 1987 (совм. с Б.Н.Янушкевичем, К.И.Хмурцом).
3. Концепция биологического потенциала в исследованиях продукционного процесса растений // Украинский ботанический журнал. 1991. Т.48, №4.
4. Периодические изменения режима солнечной радиации у поверхности планеты Земля как главный фактор прерывистости в эволюции ее биоты // Труды Международного форума по проблемам науки, техники и образования. Москва, 1998.
5. Физиолого-экологические основы оптимизации продукционного процесса агрофитоценозов (поликультура в растениеводстве). Мн.: Право и экономика, 2005 (в соавт).
6. Гигантские борщевики – опасные инвазивные виды для природных комплексов и населения Беларуси. Мн.: Право и экономика, 2009 (в соавт.).