V.S. Zenzerov had passed away on the 30th of June 2015, he was a renowned scientist, gifted experimentalist, known in the Kola North organizer of science, who gave 40 years of his working life to the Kola Science Center.V.S. Zenzerov was born in Ivnya village of Belgorod region, his childhood and youth fallen on the difficult war and after the war years. His best qualities were formed in the context of the occupation, post-war devastation, shortages of food and essential items: dedication, ingenuity, love of life, ability to find a way out of the most difficult and complicated situations, kindness and tolerance for others. In 1965 he graduated from the Medical Faculty of the Voronezh State Medical Institute, specialty - general practitioner and as the best student was immediately recommended to postgraduate school. In 1969-1971 V.S. Zenzerov served in the army as a military doctor. In 1974 he defended his thesis "Development of the thyroid gland in rats and its response to various extreme effects", after that he was invited to the laboratory of cytology and histology of the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute.
The main focus of his research was studying the morphology and physiology of the endocrine system of marine aquatic organisms. Pursuing research in this field based on the use of electron microscopy and radioimmune analysis, unique data on the role of the endocrine system, especially the thyroid gland, in the processes of growth and reproduction of marine fish was received. Scientific and practical developments, allowing use of thyroid hormone drugs to stimulate the growth of certain commercial fish species, perspective for artificial reproduction were created on this basis. In 1980-ies he engaged in mariculture of benthic invertebrates in the Barents Sea. He developed scientific foundations of sea urchins artificial reproduction, preservation and replenishment of population, as well as scientific advices on sustainable fisheries of these animals (for food or as raw material for the production of biologically active substances). Under his leadership new biotechnology complex using seaweed for iodine and biological compounds in a single technological cycle with a view to their use as biologically active compounds was developed. For the needs of the Northern fishing pool fishing industry, on the instructions of the "Sevriba" company in the 1990s he developed new morphological parameters of krill and cod muscle fibers preservation, depending on the timing of catch and freezing preservation, which allowed us to use for food purposes the higher quality raw materials. V.S. Zenzerov published more than 100 scientific papers, including 4 monographs. In 2007 he defended his doctoral thesis on "Peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the thyroid gland of fish in the Barents Sea".
In recent years, he studied mechanisms involved in adaptation of the red king crab (invader in the Barents Sea) to various changes in aquatic environment (temperature, salinity), and defined role of hormonal factors in these processes. He received new information about content of molting hormones and thyroid hormones in the hemolymph of the king crab. V.S. Zenzerov participated in many marine and coastal expeditions, was the organizer and performer of unique experimental researches on the basis of marine aquarium. Almost 15 years of his work in MMBI V.S. Zenzerov gave to scientific and organizational work, occupying the post of scientific secretary and deputy director for science. In the years of perestroika, political and socio-economic changes, Viktor Sergeevich was at the forefront of struggle for survival of the Institute, was at the first line during MMBI’s infusion into the global scientific community. In addition, Victor S. Zenzerov was actively involved in scientific and organizational work, and was the head of the executive in charge of research in key areas of fundamental works of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He actively transferred his rich experience to young researchers, and was involved in research and educational activities as a scientific leader of PhD theses, diplomas and course works of students, he was also official opponent and reviewer of candidate theses. He participated in the work of the State Certification Commission committee for diploma defence at Murmansk State Technical University (basic department of Murmansk Marine on bio-ecology). For many years he was a member of the Academic Council, an expert, certifying commission of the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, a member of the General Meeting of the scientists of the KSC.
For his achievements in scientific and organizational activity he was awarded the Order “For Services to the Fatherland” II degree, medals "Veteran of work" and "300 years of Russian Fleet", Diplomas of RAS, KSC, the Governor of the Murmansk Region and Murmansk Regional Duma, Head of Administration Murmansk. In April 2015 he was awarded the Medal of Honor KSC "For personal contribution to the research and development of the Russian North". The blessed memory of Victor S. Zenzerov, true professional, broad-hearted man who devoted all his energy and skill to development of the Arctic Marine Biology, has presented all his love mother institution and given his heartfelt affection for the North and Dalnie Zelentsy, will forever remain in hearts of all who work and communicate with him. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
