Ivan Zakharovich Surta (22.11.1893, v. Besedovichi, Khotymsk district, Mogilev region – 20.12.1937), teacher, statesman of the BSSR. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1936).
— Graduated from the 2nd Moscow University (1918), Institute of Red Professors (1932).
— In 1918-1920 - on the party and Soviet work in Belarus, in 1920-1926 - in the organs of the All-Russian Emergency Commission and the OGPU. In 1933 - Deputy Commissar of Education of the BSSR, in 1933-1936 - People's Commissar of Health of the BSSR.
— In 1932-1933 - Vice President, in 1936-1937 - President of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR.
— In 1935-1937 - Member of the CEC of the BSSR, in 1936-1937 - member candidate, member of the Presidium of the CEC of the BSSR.
— Arrested in 1937 and sentenced to exceptional punishment. Rehabilitated in 1956.
Scientific works on the methodology and history of nature-study.