Professor of the Department of Crystal Physics of the School of Physics, Yurii Boiko, Has Passed Away: The University Extends Its Condolences

19 august 2025 year

With deep sorrow we inform you that at the age of 84, Yurii Ivanovych Boiko, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Crystal Physics of the School of Physics, an outstanding researcher in the field of solid-state physics, has passed away.

All of Yurii Ivanovych’s life was connected with the University. From 1959 to 1964, he was one of the best students of the School of Physics. In 1962, together with seven other students, he was invited by the leading professor of the faculty, Yakov Geguzin, to take part in establishing a new department for the School of Physics — the Department of Crystal Physics. Already in his 4th year of studies, he began his scientific research, the results of which became the basis of his diploma thesis and were published in a scientific journal.

After graduating from the University, he entered postgraduate studies, defended his Candidate’s dissertation, and stayed to work at the department as a lecturer. Until the very last days of his life, Yurii Ivanovych continued working at the department, holding the positions of Assistant, Associate Professor, and later Professor after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation.

His teaching activity at the University was diverse and fruitful. He delivered general and specialized courses on condensed matter physics, crystal physics, and nanomaterials, conducted seminars and practical classes, and successfully supervised course and diploma papers. He earned well-deserved recognition among colleagues and students. His lectures were distinguished by a high scientific level, depth of content, and the inspiration he conveyed to students.

With great professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm, Yurii Ivanovych pursued research. He is known as a prominent scientist who made a significant contribution to the study of diffusion processes, crystal physics, and physical materials science. He was repeatedly invited to conduct joint scientific work at leading research centers in Germany: Dresden University of Technology and the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, as well as the Nuclear Research Center in Jülich.

The scientific legacy of Yurii Ivanovych comprises hundreds of articles on pressing issues of solid-state physics, published in high-ranking domestic and international journals. His works on the evolution of defects in crystals and the properties of nanomaterials laid the foundation for further fundamental research. Under his supervision, 6 postgraduate students successfully defended their Candidate’s dissertations. As a teacher, he nurtured a whole generation of talented physicists and researchers who now work successfully in Ukraine and abroad. Yurii Boiko was a member of numerous academic councils of research institutes in Kharkiv and frequently acted as a reviewer and opponent of Candidate’s and Doctoral dissertations.

The memory of Yurii Ivanovych will forever remain in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and all who had the honor of working alongside him. At the School of Physics, he will always be remembered with respect and warmth as one of its brightest personalities, whose life was an example of service to science, the University, and his native country.

Eternal memory to Yurii Ivanovych Boiko.