On February 20, 2026, the State Scientific Institution “Institute for Single Crystals” of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine hosted a joint scientific seminar of the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry and the I. Mechnikov Institute of Microbiology and Immunology entitled “Chemistry and Microbiology — Side by Side Forever.”
The event marked a logical continuation of an important milestone — the opening, on February 3, 2026, of the Medical and Biological Research Laboratory within the Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry of the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry. The new laboratory has already become a platform for integrating chemical and biomedical research, while the seminar represented the first step toward expanding active interinstitutional cooperation.
The seminar was attended by Nadiia Skliar, MD, PhD, Deputy Director for Research of the I. Mechnikov Institute of Microbiology and Immunology; Valentyn Chebanov, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, First Deputy Director General of the SSI “Institute for Single Crystals” of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Director of the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry; as well as leading researchers from both institutions.
The event was coordinated by Victoria Lipson, DSc (Chemistry), Professor, Head of the newly established laboratory. She emphasized that the synergy of fundamental chemistry and modern microbiology paves the way for innovative biomedical solutions and new approaches to disease prevention and treatment.
Artur Martynov, DSc (Pharmacy), Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology, delivered a presentation entitled “Developments and Capabilities of the I. Mechnikov Institute of Microbiology and Immunology National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.” He outlined the Institute’s key research areas and presented prospects for joint projects.
Oleksii Solodiankin, PhD (Biology), Senior Researcher at the Medical and Biological Research Laboratory of the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry, presented “Biomedical Research at the Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry of the SSI “Institute for Single Crystals” of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.” The presentation demonstrated modern approaches to the development of antibacterial and immunotropic agents, as well as the results of experimental studies.
The lively discussion confirmed a shared interest in advancing this research area. Participants thoroughly considered the preparation and submission of joint projects in Ukraine and abroad, the development of collaborations with European partners, the shared use of advanced equipment of both institutions, and the publication of research results in leading scientific journals.
The seminar clearly demonstrated that combining the potential of chemists and microbiologists opens new opportunities for effective solutions in biomedical research and strengthens scientific partnership between the institutions.