Professor Nikolai N. Shevlyuk: on his 75th birthday

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In December 2025, the distinguished Russian histologist and educator, Doctor of Sciences in Biology, Professor of the Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology of Orenburg State Medical University, and Honored Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Nikolai N. Shevlyuk, celebrated his 75th birthday (Fig. 1). He was born on December 10, 1950, in the village of Linovitsk, Martuk District, Aktobe Region, Kazakh SSR, into a family of workers at the Shevchenko Machine and Tractor Station (father: Nikolai A. Shevlyuk, mother: Efrosinya E. Shevlyuk, née Yakunichkina). In 1972, after graduating with honors from the Orenburg Pedagogical Institute (Faculty of Natural Geography, Department of Biology and Chemistry), Shevlyuk entered postgraduate studies at the Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology of the Orenburg Medical Institute. Upon completing his postgraduate training in 1975, he remained at the department, where he advanced from Assistant to Professor: Assistant in 1975–1990; Associate Professor in 1990–1998; Professor since 1998. Alongside his main position, from 1998 to 2006, Professor Shevlyuk worked at the Laboratory of Functional Cell Morphology of the Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, first as Senior, and later as Leading Researcher. From 2000 to 2017, he concurrently served as Professor at the Department of Zoology and Ecology of Orenburg State Pedagogical University, teaching Histology with Basics of Embryology and Concepts of Modern Natural Science, while also serving as a scientific advisor for graduate students.

 

Fig. 1. Professor Nikolay N. Shevlyuk on vacation in Moscow (2021) (Photo from the authors' archive).

 

Shevlyuk was awarded the Candidate of Sciences in Biology degree in 1978 and the Doctor of Sciences in Biology degree in 1998; the academic title of Associate Professor in 1991 and that of Professor in 2000.

Professor Shevlyuk’s overall scientific-pedagogical experience in higher medical education is 50 years. He is now one of the most renowned and esteemed faculty members of Orenburg State Medical University, an excellent educator and mentor to students.

Shevlyuk is a leading scientist in ecological and morphological, comparative, and evolutionary histology, morphogenesis and regeneration, as well as in the history of science and methods of teaching histology. In the 1970s, he obtained new data on the evolutionary transformations of lingual glands in vertebrates, as well as their changes under various ecological and experimental factors. Based on these studies, in 1977 at the I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the USSR Academy of Sciences (Leningrad), Shevlyuk defended his Candidate of Sciences in Biology thesis titled Comparative Histological and Histochemical Studies of the Tongue Glands in Vertebrates and Humans during Ontogenesis and in Experimental Conditions. Since the 1980s, while continuing work on ecological morphology issues, Shevlyuk began investigating ecological and morphological aspects of vertebrate reproduction. Developing this direction, he conducted a comparative study of interstitial endocrinocytes (Leydig cells) in testes of various vertebrate classes during ontogenesis, seasonal changes, and under extreme destabilizing factors. Shevlyuk was the first to describe the ultrastructure of Leydig cells in the testes of several vertebrate species and to identify key directions of adaptive transformations in testicular endocrinocytes under various destabilizing influences. Based on this research, on January 12, 1998, at the Russian State Medical University (Moscow), Shevlyuk defended his Doctor of Sciences in Biology thesis titled Comparative Morphofunctional Characteristics of Testicular Endocrinocytes in Vertebrates (Ontogenesis, Seasonal Changes, Effects of Extreme Factors). His scientific advisors were Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Volkova and Professor Stadnikov. The thesis was recognized by the Higher Attestation Commission as the best thesis of 1998 in Histology, Cytology, Embryology.

The analysis of a huge body of factual material accumulated by Shevlyuk is reflected in a substantial number of scientific works. Over the past 5 years, Professor Shevlyuk has published over 100 works, including 5 monographs: Shevlyuk N.N., Ryskulov M.F. Ecological and Morphological Characteristics of Reproduction of Small Mammals in Urban Areas (On the Example of Orenburg) [8]; Pankov A.S., Korneev A.G., Shevlyuk N.N. History of the Department of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases of Orenburg State Medical University; Shevlyuk N.N. Development of Fundamental and Applied Problems of Histology, Cytology and Embryology in the Volga Region, Urals and Western Siberia in the 20th–Early 21st Centuries. Emergence of Scientific Schools; Tarasenko V.S., Grigoriev E.N., Shevlyuk N.N., Fadeev S.B. Permanent Vascular Access for Hemodialysis; Shevlyuk N.N. Histologists, Cytologists and Embryologists of Russia (18th–Early 21st Century): A Brief Scientific-Biographical Reference. The works of Shevlyuk are widely cited, with a Hirsch index of h = 18 according to the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) and Scopus index of 5. In collaboration with others, Shevlyuk was granted 5 patents for inventions and utility models.

Shevlyuk founded the major Orenburg school of histology, whose cornerstone is the study of ecological morphology of the reproductive organs of vertebrates inhabiting anthropogenically transformed and natural ecosystems of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals. He has served as the head of this school for about 25 years. Shevlyuk formed a team of energetic, ambitious, highly qualified professionals who share a common vision and are capable of addressing the most complex scientific tasks [1, 3, 5–9].

As a leader, Shevlyuk demonstrates skills in effective team organization, enthusiasm, tact, sensitivity, and genuine concern for colleagues’ issues. He persistently pursues set objectives, critically evaluates outcomes, and implements innovative solutions in diverse situations.

In morphogenesis and regeneration research, he has co-authored a series of articles and two monographs: Beznosik R.V., Beznosik V.N., Stadnikov A.A., Shevlyuk N.N. Role of Hypothalamic Neurosecretion in Regulation of Adaptive and Reparative Processes in Airways During Prokaryote-Eukaryote Interactions. Orenburg: Orenburg State Medical University Press, 2015. 156 pp.; and Dolgov V.A., Shevlyuk N.N., Ivanova N.I., Lunkova L.B. Bacteriology, Morphology, Immunology and Treatment of Otitis Media (Experimental-Clinical Study). Orenburg: Orenburg State Medical University Press, 2017. 190 pp.

The Concise Dictionary of Biological Terms and Concepts (Orenburg: Orenburg State Agrarian University Publishing Center, 2011. 223 pp.), edited by Professor N.N. Shevlyuk, is officially recommended by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture as a textbook for students in biological, agricultural, and medical specialties.

Shevlyuk has been a long-standing contributor to the journal Archive of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology (Morphology). His first paper was published in the journal in 1976; to date, 177 works have been published, including original articles, historical reviews, critical reviews, and conference abstracts.

A crucial aspect of Professor Shevlyuk’s work involves historical research in histology. His key publications focus on medical and historical aspects of establishing and developing the Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology at Orenburg Medical University, founded by prominent Soviet histologist Professor Lazarenko (1888–1953), Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences [2, 4, 10].

The contribution of Shevlyuk to the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel is invaluable. He actively supports continuity of generations at the department, generously and selflessly shares his vast experience and extensive knowledge with novice specialists, fosters interest in science, and serves as an ideal role model. Shevlyuk’s motivation to engage in ecological morphology stemmed from his meticulous scientific research in the comparative histophysiology of reproductive system organs in various taxonomic groups of vertebrates.

The research results of the professor’s scientific school are reflected in the theses and scientific publications of his students. Shevlyuk has already supervised 13 candidates of science and currently oversees several ongoing candidate and doctoral theses.

The exceptional professional and personal qualities of the jubilarian have earned universal respect and esteem from the morphological community: purposefulness, supreme interpersonal and methodological competence, intellectual flexibility, encyclopedic erudition, phenomenal work ethic with complete dedication, openness, and sociability.

Colleagues describe Shevlyuk as a man of great spiritual kindness, an exceptional storyteller and interlocutor whose profound knowledge extends beyond histology and medicine. He is also an unrivaled expert in Russian and foreign literature, art, local history, and geography.

Many generations of physicians have been nurtured through Shevlyuk’s impeccably masterful lectures. The high quality of chalkboard illustrations organically complements the presented material, enhancing its comprehension. His passion for his work, loyalty to science and education, combined with unique charisma, integrity, special attractiveness, and irresistible charm, complemented by an excellent sense of humor, attract many students to the student scientific club (Fig. 2).

 

Fig. 2. Professor Nikolay N. Shevlyuk conducting a practical histology class with students of the Faculty of Dentistry (September 2025) (Photo from the authors' archive).

 

Shevlyuk and his students have repeatedly and brilliantly presented their research findings at scientific forums of various levels (international, all-Union, all-Russian, and regional). Their presentations always generated genuine interest among participants, sparking lively discussions that particularly emphasized the relevance of Shevlyuk’s scientific inquiries. When preparing reports, he meticulously selects illustrative materials to maximize clarity in presenting facts.

Shevlyuk played a crucial role in organizing scientific conferences of various levels in Orenburg. Following the 9th Congress of the Scientific Medical Society of Anatomists, Histologists and Embryologists of Russia with international participation (May 28–30, 2025), he received a letter of gratitude from Nikityuk, the Society’s President, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Academician of RAS, recognizing his outstanding contribution and significant organizational role in conducting the congress (Fig. 3).

 

Fig. 3. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry B. Nikityuk presenting Professor Nikolay N. Shevlyuk with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding contribution and significant organizational role in the 9th Congress of the Scientific Medical Society of Anatomists, Histologists, and Embryologists of Russia (Orenburg, 2025) (Photo from the authors' archive).

 

The daily work of Shevlyuk at the department can be characterized by three main activities: supervision of doctoral and candidate theses, preparation of scientific and educational-methodological publications, and continuous improvement of the educational process.

State and public organizations have duly recognized and appropriately valued the anniversary celebrant’s fruitful work. Shevlyuk was awarded the honorary title Honored Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation (2017). His distinctions also include the Excellence in Healthcare badge (2010), the Merits to National Healthcare medal (2024), and honorary certificates from the Russian Ministry of Health (2002) and the Znanie Society Board (1988). Shevlyuk is a two-time laureate of the Orenburg Region Governor’s Prize in Science and Technology (2015, 2021), a member of the Board of the All-Russian Scientific Medical Society of Anatomists, Histologists and Embryologists, and its Orenburg branch. Since the 1990s, he has served on several Thesis Boards. Currently, he is a member of the Thesis Board No. 21.2.049.02, having previously served as Scientific Secretary of Thesis Board D 208.066.04 for a decade (2008–2018). Additionally, Shevlyuk is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Anatomy and Histopathology.

The outstanding scientific-pedagogical and social achievements of Professor Shevlyuk rightfully place him among the renowned cohort of prominent histologists who have selflessly devoted and continue to devote their vital energies to the advancement of Russian morphological science.

Colleagues, students, and the editorial board of the Morphology journal sincerely wish Professor Shevlyuk good health, family happiness, unfailing optimism, and new scientific and creative achievements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Author contributions: A.A. Stadnikov: conceptualization, visualization, writing—original draft, writing—review & editing; E.V. Blinova: visualization, writing—original draft, writing—review & editing; M.F. Ryskulov: visualization, writing—original draft.All the authors approved the version of the manuscript to be published and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Funding sources: No funding.

Disclosure of interests: The authors have no relationships, activities, or interests for the last three years related to for-profit or not-for-profit third parties whose interests may be affected by the content of the article.

Statement of originality: No previously obtained or published material (text, images, or data) was used in this article.

Data availability statement: The editorial policy regarding data sharing does not apply to this work, as no new data was collected or created.

Generative AI: No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used to prepare this article.

Provenance and peer-review: This paper was submitted unsolicited and reviewed following the standard procedure. The peer review process involved two external reviewers, a member of the Editorial Board, and the in-house science editor.

About the authors

Alexander A. Stadnikov

Orenburg state medical university

Author for correspondence.
Email: k_histology@orgma.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6786-5074
SPIN-code: 7678-7721
https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?authorid=97760

Dr. Sci. (Biology), professor

Russian Federation, Orenburg

Elena V. Blinova

Orenburg state medical university

Email: k_histology@orgma.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-5589-8232
SPIN-code: 3884-1142
https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?authorid=645918

Cand. Sci. (Biology), assistant professor

Russian Federation, Orenburg

Marat F. Ryskulov

Orenburg state medical university

Email: mar-star89@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-9569-3585
SPIN-code: 4813-0330
https://www.elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?id=852773

Cand. Sci. (Biology), assistant professor

Russian Federation, Orenburg

References

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