Valentine P. Ananikov

Valentine P. Ananikov is a Professor at the Chemistry Department of Moscow State University and holds leadership positions at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences. He serves as Head of the Division of Structural Studies and Head of the Laboratory of Transition Metal and Nanoparticle Catalysis at the Zelinsky Institute. Elected as a Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2008 at age 33, he has established himself as a leading figure in modern chemistry research with international recognition including membership in Academia Europaea since 2018.

Dr. Ananikov received his undergraduate training at Zelinsky Institute, obtained his PhD in Organic Chemistry in 1999, and completed his Habilitation (Dr.Sci.) in 2003 under the mentorship of Prof. Irina Beletskaya at Moscow State University. His academic progression includes becoming Professor in 2004, Elected Member of Russian Academy of Sciences in 2008, and full Academician of Russian Academy of Sciences in 2019.

Professor Ananikov's research spans cutting-edge areas of chemistry with particular emphasis on catalysis mechanisms and sustainable chemical processes. His work explores molecular complexity and transformations, metal complexes and nanoparticles, and the development of next-generation catalysts. Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward integrating artificial intelligence and digital technologies with traditional chemistry research, demonstrating his forward-looking approach to scientific challenges. His laboratory actively investigates sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical processes with applications in green chemistry and environmental protection.

His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) show a clear trend toward digital chemistry, with significant focus on AI applications, toxicity assessment tools (Tox-Scapes), sustainable catalyst design from biomass waste, and advanced analytical techniques combining machine learning with mass spectrometry. This represents an evolution from his earlier work on fundamental catalytic mechanisms toward more applied, sustainability-focused research with digital integration.

Professor Ananikov's scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• International Markovnikov Prize by Tatarstan Republic (2024)
• "Gravity" International Prize for AI research (2023)
• Zelinsky Prize for outstanding achievements in organic chemistry (2020)
• Reaxys Award Russia (2019)
• Organometallics Distinguished Author Award Lectureship (2016)
• Hitachi High-Technologies Award (2016)
• Scopus Award Russia (2016)
• MegaGrant of St.Petersburg State University (2013)

He serves on multiple prestigious editorial boards including Angewandte Chemie International Edition, JACS Au, ACS Catalysis, and Chemistry - A European Journal. His research has been supported by significant funding including MegaGrants and multiple Research Grants from the President of Russia. Professor Ananikov maintains an active international presence with recent keynote lectures at major conferences across China, USA, India, and Europe in 2023-2024.

He leads the Ananikov Laboratory (AnanikovLab.ru), which focuses on developing innovative catalytic systems and studying reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. The laboratory has established extensive international collaborations, as evidenced by Professor Ananikov's participation in numerous international conferences and invited lectures worldwide, reflecting his significant influence in the global chemistry community.