Press releases

SOCHI, 19 October (BelTA) – Anastasia Lapko, a research scientist of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences, won the international science conference 21st Century: Youth of Intellect in Sochi, BelTA has learned.

Anastasia’s project was second to none in the Health of the Nation category. This is a medical sorbent that helps remove excessive antibodies from blood. It can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and perform transplant surgeries, when it is urgent to reduce the level of antibodies to avoid transplant rejection. This solution can bring great benefit as the rate of autoimmune diseases in Belarus is 50 per 100,000 people. From 5 to 7% of the world’s population suffer from such diseases. The Belarusian sorbent has analogues abroad but they are much more expensive. Another important thing is that it has much fewer side effects.

Anastasia confessed that the victory came as a surprise. She remarked, however, that the conference participants were impressed with the presentation. Many of them came up to her and asked more questions.

The golden medal of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was given to representatives of Bauman Moscow State Technical University. By the way, their project is also related with sorbents. After the award ceremony, they contacted the Belarusian with a partnership proposal.

Anastasia’s project won the 100 Ideas for Belarus contest in 2015. The sorbent has already undergone laboratory testing. Clinical trials now lie ahead. The implementation of this idea makes part of the 2016-2020 state research program Chemical Technologies and Materials.

The conference has seen another three young Belarusian scientists: Alexander Lukyanov, Maksim Kiryanov, and Maksim Massalsky. They also won the 100 Ideas for Belarus contest in the past years. Alexander Lukyanov is one of the developers of an innovative material which can help reduce the number of fires in everyday life. Maksim Kiryanov has come up with a glove for finger therapy after stroke. In turn, Maksim Massalsky develops educational robots.

The conference, held by the Federation Council of Russia’s Federal Assembly with the WIPO’s assistance since 2014, was among the centerpieces of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students. Experts have chosen the most successful projects with the highest commercial potential.

Launched in 2011, the 100 Ideas for Belarus project has gained great popularity among Belarusian young people. Since then, it has obtained an international status: the first international exhibition-presentation 100 Ideas for the CIS took place in April 2016.