Mykola Polikarpovych Kulish

Mykola Polikarpovych Kulish is a Professor and Head of the Department of Physics of Functional Materials at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He is also a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (since 2009) and holds a Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences degree.

His educational background includes:

• 1962-1967: Student at the Physical Faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
• 1967-1968: Research intern
• 1968-1972: Graduate student at the Physical Faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Professor Kulish's research focuses on nanocarbon materials, particularly fullerenes and nanotubes and their composites for applications in nano-optics, nano-electronics, and nanomedicine. His work explores the radiation modification of polymeric nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphenes with π-conjugated modifiers to improve structural, electrical conductive, mechanical, and optical properties. He has also contributed to the development of prototypes of modern prodrugs with nanoparticles using the main protein of blood plasma - BSA. His research demonstrates how radiation of polymer nanocomposites can influence the polyene structure of the polymer matrix and the properties of composites through filling and structural modification of the matrix.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on polymer nanocomposites, particularly those involving carbon-based nanomaterials like fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphenes. His work spans materials science, radiation physics, and nanomedicine, with applications in electronics, optics, and drug delivery systems. A recurring theme is the investigation of how radiation affects the properties of nanocomposites and how these materials can be engineered for specific applications.

Scientific awards and recognition:

• Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (2009)

Professor Kulish has secured multiple research grants throughout his career, including:

• 1999-2001: CRDF grant (UP1-328)
• 2005-2006: CRDF grant (N UKP1-2616-KV-04)
• 2007-2008: DFFD grant (N14.1/006); Ukrainian-Lithuanian research grant of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; Ukrainian-Hungarian research grant of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

He has supervised three candidates of sciences and has extensive collaboration with various research institutes including the Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Zabolotnyy Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Kurdyumov Institute for Metal Physics, and Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, as well as the Polymer Institute of SAS in Slovakia.

Currently, Professor Kulish leads the team "Branched Installation of mechanisms for increasing contact electrical conductivity in radiation-functionalized polymer composites with π-conjugated modifiers" at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. His laboratory focuses on polymer composites, π-conjugated systems, and prototypes of prodrugs with nanoparticles.