Science Week at KBSU: How the University Develops World-Class Scientists

Science Week has kicked off at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. This large-scale program, timed to coincide with Russian Science Day, will transform the university for several days into a large open laboratory and discussion platform. Students and the general public will be able to immerse themselves in the world of research through master classes, public lectures, and meetings with scientists, to jointly uncover the secrets of today’s major scientific discoveries.

As part of our efforts to popularize science and research, we are sharing an interview with Anton Popov, a KBSU graduate and head of the Theranostics and Nuclear Medicine Laboratory at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS).

Anton admits that his choice of KBSU was dictated by circumstances: «Frankly, the decision to study in Nalchik was determined by my family’s financial situation.» But, as it turned out, this choice proved to be a lucky break into science, and studying in my home region was a major advantage.

«Having loved ones nearby, having the support of family—this is especially important during my student years,» explains Anton. «It’s what gives me the strength to move forward.»
It was at KBSU that Anton met mentors who sparked his interest in science.

«Our professors were truly passionate about their work,» he recalls. «They inspired us with their energy and belief in our potential.»
Of course, Anton admits, opportunities for student projects and startups were limited back then, unlike today. But it was at KBSU that he received a solid theoretical foundation, which became the basis for his future scientific achievements.

Anton gratefully recalls the professors who had the greatest influence on him: «In my first years, I was particularly drawn to biomedicine, and I am grateful to Timur Khalifovich Goguzokov and Sergey Gennadievich Kozminov for instilling in me an interest in fundamental biological sciences, including invertebrate zoology. Madina Mukhamatovna Bittueva and Anzor Yuryevich Paritov helped me master molecular biology. But Azamat Yusufovich Akkizov and Diana Adamovna Khashkhozheva gave me the greatest confidence in the need for further professional growth and development. A huge thank you to all the professors for their work and support!»

Today, Anton Popov is a successful scientist with a worldwide reputation. He is a recipient of a Russian Presidential Scholarship for study abroad and has completed internships at leading European research centers. In 2023, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Young Scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Anton is particularly proud of the establishment of a theranostics and nuclear medicine laboratory in 2022, where he focuses on developing biomedical materials and finding new ways to treat cancer using hadron therapy.

However, Anton maintains contact with his home university and the republic’s scientific community.

«Our institute (ITEB RAS) is part of the ARIADNA collaboration as part of the NICA mega-science project in Dubna. Now KBSU has also become a member of this large team, through which we implement joint projects. I have also collaborated for many years with Azamat Akkizov, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology, Geoecology, and Molecular-Genetic Foundations of Living Systems at the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at KBSU, with whom we have already published many scientific papers!»
As for today’s KBSU, Anton notes that today’s students have many more opportunities to develop and implement their scientific ideas.

«The conditions are completely different now,» he says. «Students can participate in real scientific projects.» The university’s particularly strong centers include the Center for New Neutrino Detector Technologies, the Center for Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing, and the Medical Academy.

Anton advises young scientists just starting out in science to study hard and find a field they truly enjoy. «The main thing is to believe in yourself and not be afraid to pursue your goal.»