18 July 2026
(PHOTO COLLAGE: Intent)
Valery Malakhov, former rector of Odessa Polytechnic National University and an honorary citizen of Odessa, has died at the age of 86.
The Odessa City Council announced his death.
Valery Malakhov served as rector of what was then Odessa National Polytechnic University for 23 years—from 1987 to 2010. During this time, the university became one of the largest centers for training specialists in southern Ukraine and joined the World University Association and the European University Association.
He was an Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, an Honored Worker of Public Education of Ukraine, a Doctor of Technical Sciences, and a renowned expert in the field of technical cybernetics.
Throughout his scientific career, Malakhov published more than 170 scientific works, authored six textbooks, study guides, and monographs, received five patents for inventions, and supervised seven doctoral candidates and 14 candidates of sciences.
Odessa Polytechnic National University is one of the oldest technical institutions of higher education in Ukraine, founded in 1918.
It is the largest technical university in the southern part of the country and trains specialists in the fields of engineering, IT, energy, construction, economics, and management. The university comprises 15 academic and research institutes and faculties, as well as several colleges.
For his significant contribution to the development of education and science, Valery Malakhov was awarded the Orders “For Merit” of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees, the Order of St. Prince Vladimir, 3rd Class, the “Independence of Ukraine” Medal, as well as a number of international and industry awards.
Valery Malakhov was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Odessa on July 15, 2004.
Meanwhile, on July 8,Yuriy Slyusar, director of the Odessa Museum of History and Local Lore and a researcher, passed away.
Ірина Глухова