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Solomon WasserSoviet, Ukrainian and Israeli scientist, botanist, mycologist, doctor of biological sciences
Date of Birth: 26.08.1946
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Discovery of Mycology
- Research and Academic Career in Ukraine
- Expanding Boundaries of Mycological Knowledge
- Industrial Mushroom Cultivation
- Leadership in Ukrainian Science
- Scientific Collaborations in Israel
- Groundbreaking Research in the Dead Sea
- Scientific Legacy and Continued Impact
- Beyond Mycology
- Awards and Honors
- - N.G. Kholodny Prize from the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (1982)
Early Life and Education
Born into an Intellectual FamilySolomon Pavlovich Wasser was born on August 26, 1946, in Lviv, Ukraine. His father was a lawyer and his mother an actress and professor of aesthetics and stylistics.
Discovery of Mycology
After graduating from high school in 1964, Wasser enrolled in Uzhhorod University's Faculty of Biology. It was here that he developed a keen interest in macrofungi, despite the university's lack of formal mycology training.
Research and Academic Career in Ukraine
Exposing Ukraine's MycodiversityIn 1967, Wasser began his doctoral research under the guidance of M. Ya. Zerova at the Institute of Botany of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. His dissertation focused on the Agaricales fungi of the Ukrainian steppe zone, leading to the publication of the landmark work "Agaricales s.l. of the Ukrainian Steppe Zone" in 1973.
Expanding Boundaries of Mycological Knowledge
Wasser's scientific research continued to expand beyond Ukraine's borders. He participated in expeditions to Siberia, the Altai Mountains, and the Soviet Far East, and collaborated with colleagues in the United States and Western Europe.
Industrial Mushroom Cultivation
In addition to his mycological studies, Wasser also played a significant role in developing the field of industrial mushroom cultivation in Ukraine. His research led to several publications and awards, including the N.G. Kholodny Prize from the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.
Leadership in Ukrainian Science
Wasser's contributions to mycology earned him recognition as a leading scientist. In 1988, he was elected a Corresponding Member of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. He subsequently became Head of the Department of Algology (later Phycology) and Scientific Supervisor of the Herbarium at the Institute of Botany.
Scientific Collaborations in Israel
International RecognitionIn 1994, Wasser accepted a position at the University of Haifa in Israel, where he established the Biodiversity and Biotechnology Center of Cryptogamic Plants and Fungi (BCCPF).
Groundbreaking Research in the Dead Sea
Collaborating with Israeli colleagues, Wasser made groundbreaking discoveries about the presence of higher fungi and oomycetes in the extreme conditions of the Dead Sea. His research was published in a monograph in 2004.
Scientific Legacy and Continued Impact
Collaboration and SupportDespite his move to Israel, Wasser maintained close ties with scientists in Ukraine and Russia. He provided scientific and financial support, organized conferences, and continued to publish in Ukrainian and Russian scientific journals.
Beyond Mycology
Wasser's expertise extended beyond mycology. He authored books on medical genetics, general biology, and the flora of the Soviet Far East.
Awards and Honors
Wasser's scientific achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including:
- N.G. Kholodny Prize from the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (1982)
- Alexander and Helen Smith Award (1991)- Honorary Doctorate from the Russian Academy of Sciences (2005)
