It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing on January 26, 2025, of our colleague, the Chief Researcher of the Theriology Laboratory at the Institute of Zoology, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, and Professor, Alikhan Meldebekov.
Alikhan Meldebekov was born on March 24, 1948, in the village of Aktas, Baidibek District, in South Kazakhstan Region. In 1970, he graduated with honors from the Almaty Zooveterinary Institute. He began his scientific career at the Kazakh Research Institute of Livestock, progressing from a graduate student to Director (1993–2003).
Beginning in 2003, A.M. Meldebekov headed the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan, serving as General Director for almost 15 years.
Under his leadership, in 2005, the Institute of Zoology received several international awards: the International Golden Medal “For High Business Quality” from the Foundation for the Improvement of Business Quality (FEBP); the Golden Phoenix from the Centre for Business Excellence LTD (Geneva) for contributions to the development of the national economy and the strengthening of international economic relations; the International Sign of Honor Award “Leader of the National Economy 2006” from the International Business Council (Moscow); and the International Honorary Award “European Grant” (France, 2010).
In recognition of his scientific achievements, A.M. Meldebekov was elected as an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2003. In 2008, he became a foreign academician of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and in 2010, an honorary professor of the International University of Vienna (Austria, 2010). He was awarded the “Gold Medal for Impeccable Business Reputation” by the International Business Council (France), the breastplate “For Merit in the Development of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan” by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2008), and the “Parasat” Order (2018).
Under his supervision, six researchers completed their doctoral degrees and nine others defended their candidate theses. He was the author of over 300 scientific works, including 18 monographs, nine certificates of authorship, and three patents. In 2008, under his editorship, the 4th edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Animals volume) was published, becoming an essential reference for all nature protection organizations in the country.
Alikhan Meldebekov passed away suddenly at the age of 77. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, students, and colleagues for this irreparable loss.
May his memory live on.