Yevgeny Sverdlov, Renowned Biochemist and Academician, Dies at 87

A Life Dedicated to Molecular Science

Yevgeny Davidovich Sverdlov, a prominent Russian biochemist and esteemed academician, passed away on September 28, 2026. He was 87 years old at the time of his death, leaving behind a profound legacy in the fields of molecular genetics and bioorganic chemistry. His career spanned several decades, during which he contributed significantly to the understanding of complex biological systems.

Born on November 16, 1938, in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian SSR, Sverdlov demonstrated an early aptitude for the sciences. He pursued his higher education at the M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, where he laid the foundation for his future research. His academic journey eventually led him to become a central figure in the Soviet and later Russian scientific communities.

Career and Scientific Contributions

Sverdlov held numerous prestigious positions throughout his long and productive career in academia and research. He served as the Director of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences from 1988 until 2006. Additionally, he maintained a long-standing role as the Head of Laboratory at the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, a position he held since 1965.

His influence extended beyond the borders of Russia, as he shared his expertise with international institutions. From 1996 to 1998, he taught at Boston University in the United States, fostering collaboration between global scientific communities. His work was recognized by his election as a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Academia Europaea in 2001.

Academic Honors and Legacy

The scientific community honored Sverdlov for his rigorous research and leadership in molecular biology. He became a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union in 1984 and was later elected an Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1997. These accolades reflected his status as a leading authority in his field and his commitment to advancing biochemical knowledge.

Beyond his administrative and research roles, Sverdlov was a dedicated educator who served as a Distinguished Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University starting in 1999. His mentorship of younger scientists and his extensive body of published research ensure that his impact will be felt for generations. He remains a respected figure whose life work continues to inform modern genetic studies.