«I met wonderful teachers at KBSU»: the inspiring story of the scientist of the Russian Academy of Sciences Anton Popov

Anton Popov is a name that today sounds at the forefront of Russian science. A graduate of the biological faculty of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov in 2009, a candidate of biological sciences, head of the laboratory of theranostics and nuclear medicine at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS). His laboratory is engaged in the development of new biomedical materials and technologies for hadron therapy of radioresistant tumors and the prevention of complications of radiation therapy.

How does an ordinary student turn into a world-class scientist?

Perseverance and openness to new opportunities helped Anton Popov achieve success in biophysics, although he initially dreamed of something else. «As a child, I wanted to become a doctor,» Anton recalls. «But, unfortunately, I did not get enough points for the medical faculty. I entered a medical college, thinking that I would get a secondary education, and then study to become a surgeon anyway. But my mother insisted on higher education. That’s how I got into the biology department of KBSU.» Studying at KBSU became a starting point. Anton fondly remembers his student years and participation in the «Student Spring» as the captain of the biology department team. «You know, it was really cool! Student Spring is a platform where young people can express themselves, find friends, feel like part of something bigger,» he shares. Nostalgia for classmates and carefree youth is understandable, because student years are perhaps the brightest and most unforgettable period in everyone’s life.

KBSU played a decisive role in Anton’s development as a scientist. It was at the university that his interest in biophysics arose, which determined his future career path. «I met wonderful, motivating teachers who encouraged me to further develop my profession and gave me the opportunity to enroll in graduate school at one of the best research institutes in the country,» he notes.

Today, Anton Popov is a successful scientist with a worldwide reputation. He is a laureate of the Russian Presidential Scholarship for studying abroad and has completed internships at leading research centers in Europe. In 2023, he was awarded the gold medal for young scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences. His educational project Science Talks, which is popular science lectures in unusual locations of research institutes, became a laureate of the federal award «For Loyalty to Science».

Anton is especially proud of the creation of a theranostics and nuclear medicine laboratory in 2022. «This is a great achievement! The laboratory is successfully developing and attracting talented young specialists to scientific research,» he says enthusiastically.

Anton advises young scientists who aspire to a career in science: “You need to study hard and find a field that you truly enjoy and are passionate about. Then success is inevitable!”

Speaking about the problems of modern Russian science, Anton notes the shortage of personnel and the insufficient level of training in schools. “It is necessary to introduce children to science from an early age, talk about its possibilities and instill an interest in research,” he is convinced.

Thinking about the future of science, Anton is full of optimism: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, biological science has shown that without it, humanity is in danger. Russian scientists have confirmed their high level by creating one of the most effective vaccines in the world! Without science, there will be no progress, and the development of a high-tech economy directly depends on our achievements. Therefore, the prosperity of the country and the improvement of the standard of living of the population are inextricably linked with the successes of Russian science, especially in such difficult times!”

The story of Anton Popov is an inspiration for those who strive for scientific heights. The scientist’s dedication to the cause and contribution to biophysics make him the pride of KBSU and all Russian science. He proved that talent, multiplied by persistence, is capable of conquering any peaks, regardless of the starting point.