Boris Zhivotovsky

Boris Zhivotovsky is a Professor of Toxicology and Head of the Division of Toxicology at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IEM), Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. He concurrently serves as Professor and Head of the Laboratory of Investigation of Apoptosis Mechanisms at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia. His academic journey includes a PhD in Radiobiology (1975) and a Dr.Sc. in Biochemistry/Radiobiology (1989) from the Central Research Institute of Roentgenology and Radiology in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell death, autophagy regulation, and tumor chemo/radiosensitivity. Zhivotovsky has coordinated major EU projects like IMPALED (FP5), APO-SYS (FP7), and an INTAS Genomics initiative. He has been recognized with prestigious awards including the European Cell Death Organization Prize (2012) and the USSR State Prize (1987).

Zhivotovsky has held leadership roles in professional societies such as the European Cell Death Organization (President 2010–2012) and serves on editorial boards of journals like Apoptosis and Cancer Biology and Therapy. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications in cancer therapy and toxicology.