The scientific community of Belarus has suffered an irreparable loss. On September 22, 2024, LIUBOW ULADZIMIRAWNA KHATYLIOVA, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, an outstanding geneticist, Honored Scientist of the BSSR, winner of the State Prize in Science and Technology, died at the age of 97.
Liubow Uladzimirawna was born on March 12, 1928 in Gomiel, BSSR. During the Great Patriotic War, she and her family evacuated to Russia, where she completed her studies at school and entered the forest melioration department of the Kujbyshev Agricultural Institute. In 1946, after returning to her homeland, she continued her studies at the Belarusian Agricultural Academy, which she successfully graduated in 1948.
Liubow Uladzimirawna's scientific career began with postgraduate studies at Moscow State University, where, under the guidance of leading Soviet scientists, she defended her PhD thesis in genetics in 1953. Despite the offer to stay at Moscow State University, she returned to Minsk and devoted her life to the development of genetic research at the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR.
Liubow Uladzimirawna's main scientific works were aimed at studying the combinational ability of plants and the application of mathematical methods of analysis in breeding for heterosis. Her research has become a major milestone in the field of plant genetics and has made a significant contribution to the development of agricultural science. Her research on mathematical modeling allowed her to better understand the mechanism of the heterosis effect, a phenomenon in which hybrids show better characteristics compared to their parent forms.
Liubow Uladzimirawna has developed unique methods for evaluating the combinational ability of plants, which formed the basis of modern breeding programs. Her innovative approaches made it possible to significantly improve the efficiency of crop breeding, which was of great importance for increasing crop yields and plant resistance. These achievements have ensured her recognition not only in Belarus, but also far beyond its borders.
She headed the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the NAS of Belarus for more than 20 years (from 1971 to 1995). Under her leadership, cutting-edge research was conducted in the field of plant genetics and biotechnology. Even after leaving the post of director, she continued to work actively as Head of the laboratory and Honorary Director and participated in the scientific life of the institute until her last days.
Liubow Uladzimirawna has published more than 400 scientific papers, received 18 author's certificates for varieties and inventions, and formed a scientific school: under her leadership, six doctors habilitati and 43 PhD students defended their dissertations, many of whom became leading experts in the field of genetics and biotechnology. She was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of Lenin, the Order of Frantsysk Skaryna, the State Prize of the BSSR and many other honorary awards.
Liubow Uladzimirawna was not only an outstanding scientist, but also a person with an active civic position, moral norms and principles. She was always ready to help young scientists, share her invaluable experience and support them in their scientific endeavors. She was known and respected in many countries of the world, and thanks to her, the Institute's international relations expanded.
The bright memory of academician Liubow Uladzimirawna Khatyliova will forever remain in the hearts of her colleagues, students and everyone who had the honor to work with this wonderful woman.
The NAS of Belarus deeply mourns and expresses condolences to the family and friends of Liubow U. Khatyliova. Her name will forever remain in our memory and in the history of Belarusian science. Bright be her memory.