Eng
Eng
With deep sadness and great respect, we remember the outstanding scientist, researcher, teacher and patriot of medicine – Pavel Saveliyovych Nikov, whose life was dedicated to serving science, health care and training medical personnel. His name will forever remain in the history of domestic medicine as a symbol of deep erudition, conscientious work and human dignity.
Born in 1934 in the village of Faraonivka, Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky district, Odessa region, from a young age, Pavel Saveliyovych showed a passion for science and a desire to help people. After graduating from the medical faculty of the Alma-Ata Medical Institute in 1964, he began his career as a research intern, and later – an assistant at the Department of Pathological Anatomy of the same institute. Already at this stage, his interests were formed around the fundamental issues of toxicology, food hygiene and pathological anatomy.
In 1967–1974, Pavlo Saveliyevich worked as a junior research fellow and served as head of the mycotoxicosis laboratory of the Research Institute of Regional Pathology of the Ministry of Health of the Kazakh SSR. His research during this period was of extraordinary practical value for the prevention of food poisoning and the study of the impact of toxic substances on the human body.
In 1974–1988, he headed the laboratory of sanitary and food mycology and was deputy director for scientific work of the Kazakh branch of the Institute of Nutrition of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR. It was here that he conducted a number of thorough studies in the field of food hygiene, especially regarding the biological action of aflatoxins, which were of great importance for ensuring food security in the region.
In 1973, Pavlo Saveliyovych successfully defended his candidate’s thesis, and in 1986 – his doctoral thesis on the topic:
“The problem of mycotoxins in Kazakhstan and the importance of the nature of nutrition and other exogenous factors in the implementation of the biological effects of aflatoxins.” This scientific work received high recognition, and in the same year he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences.
After returning to Ukraine, Pavlo Saveliyovych continued his professional activities within the walls of Odessa Medical Institute named after M. I. Pirogov, where he held the position of Professor of the Department of General Hygiene. He passed on his unique experience to students, postgraduate students, and young scientists, leaving not only a scientific legacy, but also a deep pedagogical trace.
His scientific achievements are impressive: more than 150 published works, two monographs, and methodological manuals used both in Ukraine and abroad. A significant part of Pavlo Saveliyevich’s scientific activity was devoted to the study of the consequences of iodine deficiency in the diet of the population, as well as the problems of the influence of mycotoxins on the human body – topics that remain relevant today.
Pavlo Saveliyevich Nikov was not only an outstanding specialist in his field, but also a Man with a capital letter – principled, benevolent, deeply intelligent. He always adhered to high moral standards, inspiring his colleagues and students with his example. He was respected for his professionalism, accuracy of thought, delicacy in relationships and sincere attitude towards people.
Today, we say goodbye with deep sadness to a Man who belonged to the cohort of true intellectuals – those who formed the scientific elite of the country, leaving behind not only achievements, but also the memory of goodness, dedication to the cause, and love for people.
The bright memory of Pavel Saveliyovych Nikov will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and numerous students. His life is an example of worthy service to science, medicine, and Ukraine.
Ukr