Distinguished Kharkiv Scientist Olena Grechanina Passes Away: University Expresses Condolences
It is with deep sorrow that we announce that on January 16, 2026, at the age of 90, Olena Yakivna Grechanina passed away. She was a member of the Supervisory Board of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, General Director of the Kharkiv Specialized Medical Genetics Center, and an outstanding Ukrainian scientist, physician, and educator.
Olena Grechanina was born in 1935. In 1959, she graduated from Kharkiv Medical Institute. She began her professional career as an obstetrician-gynecologist and later devoted her life to scientific and pedagogical work, becoming a clinical geneticist.
In 1965, under her leadership, one of the first medical genetics laboratories in Ukraine was established in Kharkiv, which later developed into a powerful medical genetics center. She was among the first in the country to introduce ultrasound prenatal diagnostics and modern methods of antenatal screening, laying the foundations for the development of clinical genetics in Ukraine.
Olena Grechanina held the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences, was a Professor, a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, a Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology, an Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, and an Honorary Citizen of the City of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Region.
Her scientific school, professionalism, and devotion to her vocation became a benchmark for many generations of physicians and researchers.
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University extends its sincere condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues, and students of Olena Yakivna.
The bright memory of her wisdom, humanity, and outstanding contribution to science will forever remain in the hearts of the university community.
