On October 23, 2020, at the age of 79, after a serious illness, Igor Mykhailovych Astrelin, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Technology, passed away. He was a creative, talented person, an outstanding scientist, educator, Distinguished Figure in Science and Technology, Member of the Academy of Sciences of High Education of Ukraine, Member of the Association Agreement Committee of the European Environment Agency, Laureate of the Yaroslav Mudryi Award for Achievement in Science, Honorary Professor of the Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology, had numerous commendations from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a caring husband and father.
Igor Astrelin was born on February 5, 1942 in Troitsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, to a family of a military pilot. After graduating from high school, he entered the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, graduated in 1964 - and remained faithful to his dear university to the end of his life. After postgraduate studies in 1968, Igor Mykhailovych defended his candidacy dissertation and stayed working at the Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry as an Associate Professor.
From 1973 to 1976, Igor Mykhailovych worked in Algeria (the University of Annaba), was Head of the Department of Chemistry, and later - Adviser to the Rector.
In 1990 Igor Mykhailovych defended his Ph.D thesis and obtained the title of Professor. Since 1983 he had worked as Head of the Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, and since 2000 he had been Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Technology.
Igor Astrelin was a well-known Ukrainian specialist in the field of chemistry and technology of inorganic substances and industrial ecology. He laid scientific principles and directions in the theory and technology of a new type of complex (suspended) fertilizers for the first time in Ukraine and the USSR. Under Igor Astrelin guidance scientific and technological achievement, aimed at the development and improvement of natural water treatment and industrial wastewater treatment, were made. He was the author of about 700 scientific articles, 70 patents, 13 monographs, 14 textbooks and manuals. Under his scientific supervision 20 candidates and 4 doctors of science defended.
Igor Astrelin as a highly educated specialist, knowledgeable in many fields of science and technology, constantly extended his scientific interests, monitored development of technologies and promoted current research in the technology of inorganic substances among the staff and students. Igor Astrelin's scientific interests included a wide range in the field of chemistry and technology: synthesis of inorganic salts, acids, organo-mineral fertilizers, catalysts, sorbents, nanocomposites, coagulants, chemistry and technology of water treatment and water purification, utilization of waste and clay waste, titanium, textile, petroleum, phosphate production, products and sludges of water treatment processes.
Thanks to the initiative and persistence of Igor Mykhailovych Astrelin, the faculty has established a connection with leading universities in Norway, Germany, Poland, Sri Lanka, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova.
Igor Mykhailovych's passion was to teach. Being an unsurpassed lecturer, he was able to enchant the audience from the first minutes of the speech and cultivate a love of chemistry in his students. Students of all generations adored his lectures, at the same time his love and respect for students is known to all who studied and are studying at the faculty. He actively conducted scientific and administrative work on the development and improvement of higher technical education in Ukraine, was a member of the Sectoral Council for the development of industry standards led by the Ukrainian Chemists Union.
May Igor Mykhailovych Astrelin blessed memory live forever in the hearts of his students, colleagues and relatives!