"We Look to the Future with Optimism...":

interview with Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Serhiy Komisarenko, director of the Institute of Biochemistry named after O.V. Paladin of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Abstract

In an interview with Serhiy Komisarenko, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Director of the O.V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a world- renowned scientist known for his active position and social, state and civic activities, the history, current state, prospects, positive and negative trends in the development of biological sciences in Ukraine and the world are highlighted, as well as their impact on the development and standard of society living, and the solution of global civilizational problems. The name of the scientist is associated with the creation, formation and active development of molecular immunology in Ukraine, the investigation of new biotechnologies, diagnosticums, medicines, vaccines, hemostatic agents, the formation of a monoclonal and recombinant antibodies collection, entered into the State Register of Scientific Objects of National Heritage. The scientist studied the immunity of people who worked after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident (“Chernobyl AIDS”). Also important for the recognition of Ukraine in the world is the social and state activities of the scientist as the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for Humanitarian Affairs (1990—1992), the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and Ireland (1992—1998). On his initiative, laws were adopted that became the basis of the legislation of independent Ukraine — on freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, social protection of people. The scientist heads the International Charitable Fund of National Remembrance of Ukraine; he is the president of the Special Olympics of Ukraine. He initiated the creation of the Ukrainian House Museum and the Ivan Honchar Museum, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the tragedy in Babyn Yar, the return of houses of worship to religious communities and the holding of the first forum of the Ukrainian diaspora. Thanks to the scientist's initiative, Ukraine became an Antarctic state. In 2024, Serhiy Komisarenko, together with a foreign member of the Academy, Nobel laureate, Professor Aaron Ciechanover (Israel), were awarded the highest prize of the NAS of Ukraine — the V.I. Vernadsky Gold Medal for outstanding achievements in the field of molecular immunology and protein biochemistry. Speaking about the prospects for the development of modern biological science, the scientist noted that rapid progress is currently taking place, which lays the foundation for modern medicine. Approaches to the treatment of diseases that were previously considered incurable, in particular genetic and oncological ones, are being formed. Deciphering the genome, discovering microRNAs are vivid examples of how genetic information is implemented. The use of artificial intelligence for targeted therapy of the most important human diseases, the use of biorobots and nanoplatforms as medical tools and/or medications, and the wider use of personalized medicine methods are priorities. Summing up, Serhiy Komisarenko emphasized that the future of Ukraine, like that of all countries, will completely depend on the level of education and science, as well as on the scientific and technological component in the goods produced. Future geniuses live in all corners of Ukraine; we just need to help them realize themselves, because a country without science is a country “without arms and legs”. The expert opinion of such prominent specialists and the generalization of their acquired experience are especially relevant in crisis periods of social development, in particular in wartime, since they form worldview guidelines for society.

Interviewed by:
A.S. Lytvynko
Dobrov Institute for Scientific and Technological Potential and Science History Studies of the NAS of Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5321-2969

G.A. Doronina
Dobrov Institute for Scientific and Technological Potential and Science History Studies of the NAS of Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6397-2137

The following participated in the preparation of the interview:
V.G. Garmasar
Dobrov Institute for Scientific and Technological Potential and Science History Studies of the NAS of Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7903-0111

G. V. Soldatova
Dobrov Institute for Scientific and Technological Potential and Science History Studies of the NAS of Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2259-2046