Taking scientific research to next level through collaboration

As head of Samara Polytech’s department of organic chemistry, Yuri Klimochkin understands the importance of working with other researchers to achieve the best results

The department of organic chemistry at Samara State Technical University (Samara Polytech) was established in 1930. It produced the city’s firstgraduate student and has achieved excellent results in scientific research and real-world applications. Yuri Klimochkin, professor and head of the organic chemistry department, speaks with Times Higher Education about the importance of fundamental science in the fast-changing world.

Tell us about your academic journey.
I have been head of the organic chemistry department since 2004 – over 17 years. I arrived at Samara Polytech as a second-year student and, since graduation, my life has been tied to it. Though unusual in the international context, it is a standard practice in Russia to work at the same university for the rest of your life. It is a typical situation here, and I am no different. 

Since the start of my career, I have worked on chemotherapy and the chemoprophylaxis of slow and especially dangerous viral infections. Today, the department is studying the synthesis of potential antiviral compounds.  

Why is the department’s work important? 

With regards to medicinal chemistry, the key direction is the development of inhibitors of the relevant viral targets – proteins that help the virus get us sick. We are working on reproduction inhibition for viruses such as smallpox surrogates, hepatitis C, herpes and influenza. The latest research, the most relevant today, is concerned with the search for drugs against the propagation of the now well-known SARS‑CoV‑2.

What are some of the department’s recent achievements? 
A catalytic technology for producing individual enantiomers of nootropic drugs has been developed in our department. It involves the synthesis of a whole generation of pharmaceuticals that have found commercial applications. A single-stage method of synthesising memantine, used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, has also been developed and patented.

Because our research at the department is highly diversified, it is difficult to highlight just one thing. Maintaining a variety of research directions at a competitive level is what I consider the achievement of my colleagues and myself.

Why is cooperation with universities in Russia and internationally necessary? 
Without cooperation, science cannot move forward. Fundamental science, which is about making something new, is international. Cooperation is always beneficial, and one should never dismiss it.  

We collaborate with Moscow State University in the field of medicinal chemistry and computer simulation of protein targets. We also work with Volgograd State Medical University, creating anti-diabetic medication and working on the prevention of central neural system diseases. 

What are the university’s plans for the future? 
We strive for the expansion of the scope of our work and raising our standards. However, there can be no plans when it comes to science, particularly organic synthesis. Every day, nature surprises us, and often these surprises become the most significant research achievements.

We need to create conditions to attract talented youth. In nuclear physics, there is a concept of a critical mass– there will be no explosion unless there is enough radioactive substance. The critical mass of people and ideas is crucial. Researchers must be able to communicate and move forward together. 

We live in a fast-changing world. As soon as you isolate yourself with your idea, you start, as I say, drowning in your talent. Soon enough, you find out that a group of researchers elsewhere has already published your dreams.

Find out more about Samara Polytech.