Ukrainian neurobiologist Igor Zima and his wife, scientist and doctor of biological sciences Olesia Sokur, tragically lost their lives on the morning of January 1st in their own apartment in Kiev as a result of a Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital. The couple had planned to attend a play at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater on this day. The theater’s press service announced this on January 3rd on their Facebook page.
The news of the Zima and Sokur’s death has shocked and saddened the scientific community in Ukraine and beyond. The couple were highly respected and accomplished researchers in the field of neurobiology, known for their groundbreaking work and contributions to the field.
Igor Zima was a leading figure in the Ukrainian scientific community, known for his expertise in the study of the brain and its functions. He was a professor at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and a member of several prestigious international scientific organizations. His wife, Olesia Sokur, was also a highly esteemed scientist, specializing in the study of the nervous system and its disorders. Together, they were a formidable team, making significant strides in understanding the complexities of the human brain.
The tragic loss of Zima and Sokur has left a void in the scientific community that will be difficult to fill. Their colleagues and students remember them as brilliant minds, dedicated mentors, and kind-hearted individuals. Their passing is a great loss not only for their families and friends but for the entire scientific community.
The couple’s plans to attend a play at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater on New Year’s Day were a testament to their love for culture and the arts. The theater, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Ukraine, was a favorite destination for the couple. Their presence in the audience was always a source of inspiration and joy for the actors and staff.
The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater has expressed their condolences to the families of Zima and Sokur, as well as to the entire scientific community. In their statement, they emphasized the couple’s passion for the theater and their unwavering support for the arts. The theater also announced that they will be dedicating their upcoming performances to the memory of Zima and Sokur, honoring their legacy and contributions to science and culture.
The tragic events of January 1st serve as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has claimed countless innocent lives. Zima and Sokur’s deaths are a harsh reminder of the devastating consequences of this conflict, which has affected not only the political landscape but also the lives of ordinary people.
The scientific community has come together to mourn the loss of Zima and Sokur, but also to honor their memory and continue their important work. Their legacy will live on through their research and the impact they have made on the field of neurobiology.
In these difficult times, it is important to remember the words of Ivan Franko, the renowned Ukrainian writer and humanist for whom the theater is named after: «Science and art are the two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.» Zima and Sokur’s tragic passing is a reminder of the fragility of life, but also of the enduring power of science and art to inspire and unite us.
The Ukrainian scientific community, as well as the entire nation, mourns the loss of Igor Zima and Olesia Sokur. Their memory will forever be cherished and their contributions to science and culture will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace.
