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Professor Oleg Kiselev, director of the Research Institute of Influenza, dies at the age of 70

Professor Oleg Kiselev, director of the Research Institute of Influenza since 1988, has died suddenly at the age of 70.

Oleg Ivanovich Kiselev was born in the city of Magnitogorsk in 1945. After graduating from St. Petersburg State Pavlov Medical University in 1968, he began an academic career as postgraduate student at the Laboratory of Biochemical Genetics of the Institute of Experimental Medicine, AMS USSR. He received  PhD degree in medicine in 1971 and in 1981 he earned Doctor in Biology Science degree in molecular virology. From 1983 till 1988 Oleg Kiselev worked in various organizations under the Ministry of Medical and Microbiological Industry of the USSR. Since 1988 Oleg Kiselev had been working as the director of the Research Institute of Influenza (RII).

The scientific profile of prof. Kiselev was vast, covering various issues of biochemistry, molecular biology, virology and biosafety. His achievements saw light in more than 200 research papers, patents and monographs.

Prof. Kiselev played a huge role in promoting collaboration with international institutions engaged in influenza studies. As the director of WHO National Influenza Center for Russia, he actively supported development of influenza surveillance in Russia and worldwide. He also served as a WHO expert in issues of global influenza pandemic preparedness.

Oleg Kiselev was a full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). He headed RAS St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Society of Biochemists and Molecular Virologists and was a member of various scientific and medical editorial boards and councils. He was also distinguished with many state and research community awards including the Russian Government Prize in Science and Technology, and Order of Merit for Fatherland II.

He will be remembered as a prominent researcher, talented mentor and a high-minded leader.


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