Pride of Karazin: Marking the Anniversary of the Birth of University Alumnus and Nobel Prize Laureate Ilya Mechnikov

On May 15, 181 years have passed since the birth of the outstanding scientist, one of the founders of evolutionary embryology, immunology, and microbiology, and Nobel Prize laureate Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov.

For Karazin University, this figure holds special historical significance. It was here, within the walls of the Kharkiv University (now Karazin University), that the scientific worldview of the future genius was formed. In 1864, he graduated early with honors from the natural sciences department of the School of Physics and Mathematics, laying a solid foundation for his future groundbreaking research.

The discovery of phagocytosis and the development of the phagocytic theory of immunity changed world science, earning Ilya Mechnikov the highest recognition — the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908. He became one of three Nobel laureates whose names are forever inscribed in the history of our university.

The Karazin community proudly honors the memory of its distinguished alumnus. His tireless pursuit of truth, bold scientific hypotheses, and dedication to saving human lives remain a powerful guiding light for new generations of researchers and students of Karazin University.